A minor girl in Jagatpur district, Odisha, was allegedly gangraped repeatedly over several months by three men — brothers Bhagyadhar Das and Panchanan Das of Banashbara village, along with their accomplice Tulu Babu. Upon learning that the girl was five months pregnant as a result of the assaults, the accused allegedly tried to bury her alive in a desperate attempt to conceal the crime.
The victim was rescued just in time and is currently undergoing medical treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital. Police have reportedly arrested the two brothers while the third man remains on the run, prompting an active manhunt. Local authorities have assured strict action and are investigating the case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This horrific incident has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concern about the safety of women and children in the region.
Details of the Crime and Official Response
According to police sources and reports published by India Today, the assault on the minor girl was ongoing across an extended period, underscoring a shocking pattern of abuse. The alleged attempt to bury her alive is a brutal move by the accused to erase evidence and avoid accountability. Superintendent of Police (SP) of Jagatpur condemned the act, confirming the arrests of Bhagyadhar and Panchanan Das and stating that efforts are underway to apprehend the third accused, Tulu Babu.
The survivor’s father lodged a formal complaint, which triggered police action and registration of multiple criminal charges, including those related to rape and attempted murder. Authorities have prioritised the girl’s safety and medical care while assuring the community of a thorough and speedy investigation. The incident has caused distress among locals and raised alarms about gaps in protective measures for vulnerable groups in rural Odisha.
Broader Context: Persistent Gender-Based Violence and the Need for Stronger Safeguards
This alleged crime is a tragic reminder of the pervasive and systemic gender-based violence that disproportionately affects minors and women, especially in rural and marginalized areas of India. Despite legal protections, many survivors face barriers in reporting abuse, stigma, and delays in obtaining justice.
Odisha has seen a series of similar cases in recent years, leading to calls from women’s rights groups and civil society organisations for enhanced preventive frameworks, improved policing, community sensitisation, and victim support mechanisms. Experts underline the need for comprehensive interventions that not only punish perpetrators but also address the root causes of such violence, including patriarchal mindsets and social inequalities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we categorically condemn the alleged acts of violence committed against the minor, which represent a grave violation of human rights and child protection laws. This story serves as a stark wake-up call about the urgent need to strengthen institutional mechanisms — from law enforcement to healthcare and counselling services — to protect and rehabilitate survivors.
Beyond legal redress, society must cultivate empathy and gender sensitivity to challenge harmful norms that enable such crimes. It is imperative that families, communities, police, and policymakers unite in creating safe and nurturing environments for all children and women.
