A physically challenged 11-year-old minor girl was allegedly raped by a youth inside the premises of Lord Jagannath temple here, police said today. The incident took place when the girl went inside the temple for ‘Darshan’ of the Lord late on Friday night when the shrine was virtually deserted.
Taking advantage of the situation, a 28-year-old youth escorted her to the bathing mandap of the Lord and raped her before fleeing.
The victim was rescued in a critical condition from the spot. Angry locals spotted the accused and thrashed him before handing him over to the police.
The girl was admitted to the SCB medical college at Cuttack as her condition worsened, police said.
Meanwhile, the temple administration conducted the sanctification and neeti rituals at the temple Friday night.
The police registerd a case after victim’s father lodged a complaint against the accused. Whereas, the local residents also surrounded the police station and protested all through the night.
Angry locals burned tyres and blocked the road on Saturday morning, demanding that the government should bear the medical expenses of the girl.
Baripada sub-collector S K Purohit along with police officers visited the spot and has sanctioned Rs 10,000 for the treatment of the girl, officials said.
