Bhubaneswar, December 24: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida strongly condemned the incident of rape and murder of a minor in Bhadrak district.

Parida also assured that the strictest measures will be taken against the culprit. Parida further confirmed that the State Women’s Commission will initiate a judicial inquiry into the matter.

After this incident, tension has escalated in Chandabali following the abduction, rape, and murder of a 10‑year‑old girl. The heinous crime has sparked widespread outrage, with enraged villagers demolishing the accused’s house in Rampalli village.

Political parties have also stepped in. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress announced a bandh in Chandabali block tomorrow from 6 am to 12 noon, underscoring the mounting public and political pressure. 

The crime unfolded on Tuesday morning when the minor went missing from Rampalli. By evening, her body was discovered behind the Panchayat office in Baligaon, bearing clear signs of sexual assault and brutal killing.

Public anger escalated rapidly. Villagers blocked roads at Baligaon Square along the Akhandalamani route, burned effigies, and demanded justice. On Wednesday, after the accused was identified, mobs stormed his residence and razed it to the ground.

Police acted promptly, arresting the accused within 24 hours. To prevent further unrest, the Bhadrak Superintendent of Police personally oversaw heavy deployment in the area.