Minor Girl Rescued byBrahmapur Police ;Youth Arrested in Kidnapping and POCSO Case
News Desk, Odishabarta
Brahmapur, Sept. 30: Brahmapur Sadar Police have rescued a 17-year-old minor girl and arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with a kidnapping and sexual assault case registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
According to police, the case was registered after the girl’s family reported that she was allegedly taken away by the accused during the Meru Yatra festival at Bendalia on April 15, 2026. The family had gone to attend the festival when the accused allegedly took the minor away on a motorcycle, taking advantage of the crowd.
Police said the movement was subsequently verified through CCTV footage. Based on the written report of the complainant, Brahmapur Sadar PS Case No. 221 dated April 16, 2026 was registered under Section 137(2) of the BNS. During the course of investigation, Sections 64(2)(m) and 65(1) of the BNS, read with Section 6 of the POCSO Act, were subsequently added.
As part of the investigation, the police team traced the location of the accused and continued efforts to locate the minor.
On September 28, 2026, the police team rescued the 17-year-old girl and apprehended the accused from his residence.
The arrested person was identified as Santanu Kumar Mohapatra (27), son of Iswar Chandra Mohapatra, resident of Mundamarai village under Dharakote Police Station in Ganjam district.
Police said the accused was arrested after following the prescribed legal formalities and was subsequently forwarded to the competent court.
Further investigation into the case is underway.
