Bhubaneswar, Dec 17: In a crucial move, the Odisha Police has categorized the Dhauli gangrape case in Bhubaneswar as a "Red Flag" case, assigning the Crime Branch to lead the investigation. The probe will be directly supervised by the Director General of Police, Crime Branch, with a focus on ensuring a thorough and expedited inquiry.

A senior official stated that this decision reflects the gravity of the case, its societal implications, and the need for a fair investigation. To ensure a coordinated approach, a special team has been formed under the leadership of a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). The team also includes officers from the Crime Against Women Wing, tasked with ensuring the investigation is completed in a timely manner.

The Crime Branch will focus on key elements of the case, including medical reports, forensic evidence, and other collected materials, to facilitate a swift investigation and early chargesheet submission.

The incident, which occurred on December 10 around 8 pm, initially involved the victim lodging a complaint about two men stealing her gold chain. However, the case was upgraded to gangrape when the victim confided in her mother about the assault, prompting a new complaint filed on December 13. The attackers reportedly tied the victim's male companion to a tree before assaulting her in an isolated area.

Two suspects have been arrested, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining assailants. One of the accused has a criminal record, including charges of attempted murder and assault, and had recently been released on bail.