A 17-year-old girl who went missing from Vizag city on December 18, was traced in Odisha on December 22. However, she was allegedly gang raped in separate incidents, prompting the police to form a special team to apprehend all ten accused, including her male friend.
The victim, who worked as a maid in a house under the fourth-town police station limits in Vizag city, was left alone to care for the pets while the house’s occupants were on vacation. When the girl’s father discovered she was missing, he learned that a youngster had taken her to RK Beach in the city. Despite their efforts to locate her, the family was unsuccessful, leading them to file a missing complaint with the fourth-town police station on December 18.
Thanks to technical surveillance, authorities discovered that the girl was in Odisha. On December 22, she was recovered from the state. However, due to the emotional trauma she endured, the girl remained silent about the incidents until December 30.
The victim, in her statement to the police on Sunday, revealed that her male friend had taken her to a hotel where he raped her. Subsequently, he called a friend, and together they subjected her to further sexual assault.
Distraught by the ordeal, the girl allegedly visited RK Beach with the intention of ending her life. It was at this point that a man—reportedly a photographer on the beach—approached her, offering support. He then took her to a room, where he and seven of his friends confined her for several days and raped her. The girl eventually managed to escape from the room and fled to Odisha.
Given that the victim is a minor, her statement has been recorded, and the police have registered a case of abduction and rape under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. While certain accused individuals have been identified, law enforcement is actively working to apprehend all involved parties.
DCP K Srinivasa Rao emphasized the ongoing investigation to establish the facts surrounding the case, noting, Our teams have managed to identify some accused persons, and we will nab all the accused shortly.
This disturbing incident has brought attention to the need for swift action to protect vulnerable individuals from such heinous crimes. As the investigation progresses, the hope remains that justice will be served and that steps will be taken to prevent future occurrences.
