Bhubaneswar, August 4: A minor girl from Gunupur has appealed to the Rayagada District Collector for intervention, alleging sexual assault by a relative and claiming negligence by local police, despite lodging a formal complaint nearly a month ago.

The girl, accompanied by social worker Binodini Garadia, approached the grievance cell of District Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni on Monday, where she described her traumatic experience.

According to the girl's account, on July 8, around 12:30 PM, she was heading to a nearby shop for photocopying when a male relative from her village allegedly forced her into a nearby forest and attempted to assault her. The accused reportedly threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident. Out of fear and concern for her safety and social standing, she initially remained silent but found the courage to file a written complaint at the Gunupur police station on July 11.

Despite filing the complaint, she claims no substantial action has been taken against the accused. She initially approached the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Rayagada, who instructed the Gunupur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) to investigate the matter. However, in the absence of progress or any arrest, she felt compelled to seek support from the District Collector.

In response, District Collector Kulkarni held discussions with the concerned police officials and assured both the girl and her representative that a thorough investigation would be initiated and legal action pursued based on the findings.

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