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Odisha Police Arrest Three in Alleged Puri Assault of 17-Year-Old; One Suspect at Large

The case underscores risks of online grooming that move victims across districts under India’s child-protection law.

Overview

  • Odisha Police, who announced the arrests Thursday, said three men were picked up in Jajpur and a fourth suspect is being hunted.
  • Investigators say a 22-year-old met the 17-year-old on social media and took her to Puri in November, where the assault occurred.
  • A police account says the suspects gave her food laced with intoxicants before the assault at a hotel.
  • The men were booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, which sets procedures for crimes against minors, along with other sections.
  • Police are reviewing each suspect’s role, with one report quoting officers who said the primary accused committed the assault and others assisted.