A shocking incident has stirred public outrage in Odisha’s Jajpur district. Four hockey trainers were arrested by the police on Monday. The arrest was for allegedly gang-raping a 15-year-old girl in Jajpur district. According to reports, the crime occurred on the evening of July 3. However, the incident came to light only after the survivor filed a complaint at the Jajpur Town police station on Sunday night.
According to the FIR, the girl had been undergoing hockey training at the local stadium for the past two years. The minor was abducted by her coach Sarthak Mohanty and his associates Sandip Swain and Sagar Nayak. This came while she was returning home from hockey practice. The accused allegedly took her to a nearby lodge and sexually assaulted her in turns. The girl further stated that the men threatened to kill her if she revealed the incident to anyone.
Family Had Earlier Raised Concerns
The survivor’s mother revealed that one of the coaches had been harassing her daughter physically and mentally for the past six months. “We had informed the local sports authorities, who assured us they would address the matter through the internal complaints committee. However, no action was taken,” she said, adding that the lack of response contributed to the continuation of the abuse.
Police Action and Legal Proceedings
Jajpur Town Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Sarat Patra confirmed that a case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). This includes Section 70(2) (gang rape), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 74 (outraging modesty), and 3(5) (common intention). Along with that Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was also imposed.
All four accused are currently in police custody and undergoing interrogation. The victim was produced before a district court, where her statement was recorded under Section 183 of the BNS. A medical examination is also being scheduled, officials said.
Public Reaction and Systemic Concerns
The incident has sparked outrage across the district, especially among sports communities and child rights activists. Many have expressed serious concerns about the lack of safety protocols at sports training centres for minors and the inadequate response mechanisms to complaints of harassment.
