3-yr-old toddler raped in Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar, accused arrested

The 23-year-old accused, a driver by profession, was absconding after allegedly committing the crime.

The condition of the survivor was said to be stable.

“The child had come to the hospital on Monday evening; and after examination and investigation, the parents today came for ultrasound,” said a senior official at Capital Hospital.

It is alleged that the accused Santosh Khuntia was under the influence of alcohol when he raped the minor girl. The incident occurred when the victim had come to the accused Santosh’s house to play. Nobody was present in the house when the incident occurred.

The medical examination of the accused was conducted at Capital Hospital. Later, he was produced before a local court which remanded in judicial custody.

Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prateek Singh said, “The victim’s family launched a search operation after she did not return home late evening. Later after rescuing the girl from the house of the accused, they lodged a complaint at Airfield police.”

A special team was subsequently formed and it was found that the accused had moved to the Pipili area in Puri district. However, the accused managed to escape from the spot.

“An operation was subsequently launched and the accused was nabbed within 24 hours. Forensic team has seized all evidence and the survivor has been given immediate medical care. The medical examination of the accused has also been conducted,” said Singh.

“The accused had also threatened the victim’s mother. We have been able to collect evidence and wearing apparels and other items, which are important for the probe, have been seized,” Singh added.