Brahmapur: In a deeply disturbing case from Brahmapur in Odisha’s Ganjam district, three minor sisters were allegedly sexually abused and physically assaulted by their father, turning the very place they should have felt safest into a source of trauma and fear.
The incident, which was reported from Brahmapur under Gosani Nuagaon police limits, sent shockwaves across the region after the victims’ posted a video on social media platform appealing for justice went viral following the release of their father on bail recently. In the clip, the minors threatened to end their lives if police and district administration fail to come to their rescue. The police and the lawyer would be responsbile if anything happens to them, they said in the video.
As per reports, the accused had three daughters, two of whom were residing with them while the younger one was studying in Utkal Balashram (a government-run residential school for underprivileged children). The girls alleged that he had been repeatedly assaulting them sexually and even thrashing them while their mother witnessed everything silently without any objection. Finding it increasingly difficult to endure the ordeal, the elder daughter had even reportedly attempted suicide thrice.
When the torture became unbearable, they somehow reached out to the police leading to the arrest of the accused on August 26. Police said the accused had been produced before the Special POCSO Court in Berhampur, following which he was remanded to judicial custody.
However, the case had taken a fresh turn with allegations that the two minor sisters were subjected to pressure from certain family members to withdraw the sexual assault case against their father. According to the complaint, the girls were allegedly threatened, assaulted and attempts were made to forcibly confine them at home to dissuade them from pursuing the case.
A separate complaint was subsequently registered at Gosani Nuagaon Police Station on October 16, and the SDPO was assigned to supervise the investigation. During the investigation, notices under Section 35(3) of BNSS were served on three accused persons, based on statements recorded in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, trouble mounted for the girls following the court’s decision to grant bail to the accused on November 9. Expressing anguish, they made a video narrating the severe mental distress they are experiencing following the development, and making an emotional appeal for justice failing which they would end their lives.
Police clarified that the incident is currently under investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the victims’ safety and security, as well as to provide them with counselling and legal assistance. Any attempt to intimidate, threaten, or exert pressure on the victims will invite strict legal action, Berhampur SP Abhinav Sonkar has stated.