A very shocking and deeply disturbing incident has rocked the Digapahandi area of Ganjam district in Odisha. Here, a 16-year-old girl is fighting for her life after allegedly attempting suicide. This comes after she was sexually assaulted by her own father. The accused is the father of the victim and identified as 43-year-old Bhima Pradhan. Pradhan has since been arrested and remanded to judicial custody.
Mother files complaint
According to reports, the horrifying ordeal came to light on Thursday, June 13. Following the incident, the girl’s mother lodged a complaint with the Digapahandi police of Ganjam. According to IIC Prashant Patra, Pradhan is an alleged alcoholic. He had recently returned to the village from out of state.
Upon returning home Pradhan in an intoxicated state reportedly assaulted his eldest daughter on June 11. The mother, a daily wager, had left for work, leaving the survivor alone in the house. Meanwhile the younger siblings of the victim were playing outside during the assault. Pradhan allegedly entered the house and sexually assaulted his daughter. He further threatened her with severe consequences if she told anyone about his act
Minor attempts to Suicide
The victim, overwhelmed with shame and despair after the alleged assault, reportedly consumed sleeping pills. The minor consumed at least 10 sleeping pills in an attempt to end her life.
The victim was discovered in an unconscious state by her mother upon her return home. She was immediately rushed to Digapahandi medical hospital. However, her condition worsened, she was transferred to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. The victim remains in critical condition, battling for survival.
Victim recounts her ordeal
According to reports, on June 13, the girl partially recovered. She bravely recounted her horrific experience to her mother. Upon learning about the gruesome incident her mother filed an official police complaint. Following this the police prompted an investigation.
Based on the information, police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Investigating Officer (IO) SI Sofia Mishra recorded the survivor’s statement on Saturday. The horrific incident has sparked outrage in the village; the locals and neighbors allegedly assaulted Pradhan.
Soon the police intervened and arrested Bhima Pradhan for raping his minor daughter. He was reportedly rescued by IO Mishra, who had arrived to arrest him on Sunday. Medical examinations of both the accused and the survivor were conducted at MKCG MCH.
Bail petition rejected
Pradhan was subsequently produced before the POCSO court in Berhampur, where his bail petition was rejected, and he was sent to jail. Police confirmed that a further probe is underway, including an investigation into the source of the sleeping pills consumed by the survivor.
The incident has deeply shocked and saddened the entire community, becoming the central topic of discussion in the area.
