Keonjhar, Jul 10: Tensions flared in the Banspal Block of Keonjhar district following the brutal rape and attempted murder of a six-year-old girl, prompting angry locals to launch an indefinite road blockade on the Raighar-Fuljhar route since yesterday evening.

According to reports, the horrific incident took place last evening in Raighar, under the jurisdiction of the Sadar Police Station. The prime accused, identified as the victim's maternal uncle who works as a truck driver, allegedly lured the minor girl into his truck and abducted her. He then took her to an isolated spot in Raighar, where he sexually assaulted her. In an attempt to eliminate evidence, the accused brutally attacked the child, smashing her with a stone.

Hearing the victim’s screams, local residents rushed to the spot and rescued the girl, who was found in a critical, blood-soaked condition. The furious crowd intercepted the accused, thrashed him severely, and subsequently handed him over to the Sadar Police.

Upon receiving information, a police team rushed to the scene and shifted the critically injured minor to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Sadar Police have detained the prime accused along with another youth for questioning.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage and palpable tension across the region.

Demanding stringent action and immediate justice for the victim's family, hundreds of locals blocked the Raigoda-Fuljhar road.

The ongoing protest has brought vehicular movement to a grinding halt, leaving hundreds of trucks and commuters stranded on both sides of the highway.

An investigation into the matter is currently underway.