16-Year-Old Child Rescued; Accused Arrested in Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Case

 Desk, Odishabarta

Brahmapur, Oct 4: Brahmapur Sadar Police have arrested a 24-year-old man in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a 16-year-old child. The accused has been identified as Raja @ Kapilash Behera (24), son of Dibya Chandra Behera, of Rebinga village under Baliguda police limits in Kandhamal district.

Police registered Brahmapur Sadar PS Case No. 587/2026 under Sections 137(2) and 64(2)(m) of the BNS, read with Section 6 of the POCSO Act.

According to police, the complainant reported on September 17, 2026, that his 16-year-old child had been missing from home since September 16. A case under Section 137(2) BNS was subsequently registered and an investigation was launched.

During the investigation, police traced and rescued the child on October 2, 2026. The child’s age was verified as 16 years on the basis of the school leaving certificate.

Police said the accused had allegedly come into contact with the child through Instagram about a year ago. During the investigation, it was allegedly found that he had lured the child away from the lawful guardianship of the parents without their consent and subjected the child to sexual assault.

Following the child’s statement and medical examination, police added Section 64(2)(m) BNS and Section 6 of the POCSO Act to the case.The accused was arrested on October 3, 2026, and forwarded to the Hon’ble