Bhubaneswar: The Odisha police on Sunday arrested four prime accused, along with two of their associates, in connection with molestation of a girl. They also uploaded the video of the incident on social media platforms.
The youth were arrested following probe order by Baragarh superintendent of police Jugal Kishor Kumar Banoth on Saturday. The SP had ordered the probe after the video went viral in social media.
The video shows a college girl in uniform being molested in public by a group of youths in Bargarh. Despite the girl desperately pleading with them spare here, the culprits appeared unrelenting and continued to physically abuse her. The arrested accused were identified as Umakant Bhoi, Jayaprakash Bhoi, Ajit Barik and Hota Hussein. There were arrested from Bukuramunda under Paikmal police limits here. Apart from these four key accused, the police arrested two other persons — Sahil Barik and Nutan Barik — who allegedly abetted the crime.
As per the directions of Bargarh SP, two teams were constituted to probe into the incident and after a search police arrested the four youths in the morning.
In the viral video, the girl student was seen pleading before the tormentors to let her go. However, the youths masked in towels kept on harassing her and also thrashed her male friend.
“Though no complaint had been lodged, a probe was launched as per the directive of the SP. Four key accused and two others – who had committed the crime a few days ago - have been arrested. Efforts are on to nab other miscreants. Further investigation is on,” said sub-divisional police officer Laxminarayan Panda.
According to sources, the girl had gone to the Khaira Dam with her male friend where, being found alone, she was molested by a group of persons who had reportedly gathered for a picnic party.
Speaking to media, state director general of poice Dr RP Sharma said,” After the matter came to fore, police registered a case under Sections 341, 354, 354(B), 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and because the video was posted n social media, the accused were also booked under Sections 66(A), 66(B) and 67 of the IT Act. We have directed all SPs and police stations to take stern actions against persons involved in such cases.”
