Bhubaneswar: A shocking case of rape involving a 9-year-old tribal girl with a disability has emerged from the Kendujhar district, igniting outrage in the local community. In response to widespread protests and escalating tensions, police have arrested the accused, Asif Anwar Khan.
The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) Keonjhar district unit has announced a 12-hour shutdown in Kendujhar on November 12 to protest such heinous incidents.
Victim’s father, who runs a small shop in Purumunda village in the Shuakathi area of the Kendujhar Sadar police station jurisdiction, was away in the fields harvesting paddy with the girl’s mother when the incident occurred. Left alone at the shop Asif Anwar Khan, who forcibly took her inside their home and raped her. When the girl’s uncle and aunt arrived after hearing her screams, the accused fled the scene. Upon returning, the victim’s parents were informed of the attack and promptly filed a police complaint. Initially admitted to a local hospital, the girl’s condition deteriorated, necessitating her transfer to the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital.
As news of the incident spread among local residents, tensions escalated and demands for strict action against the accused grew louder. Activists from the Keonjhar District Unit of the Vishva Hindu Parishad met with the victim’s family, urging the administration to take exemplary measures in this case. Under significant pressure, the Keonjhar police apprehended the accused in Buladwar Sahi, Keonjhar.
Inspector In charge of the Keonjhar Sadar Police Station, Amit Kumar Bhuinya, confirmed that the accused has been arrested and produced in court. Asif Anwar Khan claims to be from West Bengal.
In light of the incident, the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s Kendujhar district unit has called for a peaceful 12-hour shutdown on Tuesday. VHP Kendujhar district unit secretary Swapneshwar Sahu expressed concerns about many individuals from Bangladesh and Rohingya people posing as residents of West Bengal and engaging in business in villages throughout Kendujhar district.
He stated that these individuals are involved in various anti-social activities and called for stringent action from the administration to prevent future incidents. Noting that this is not an isolated case, he stressed the need for decisive action. The shutdown is scheduled for Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with all essential services exempted.
