In Bhadrak, Odisha, a 10-year-old girl was raped and then murdered.

Odisha: A 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Chandbali town of Bhadrak district on Tuesday evening, triggering widespread anger and protests in the area.

According to reports, the girl, a third-grade student from Chandbali, left her home around 2 pm but did not return. As evening approached, her family searched for her but could not find her. Later, locals found her body, naked, in a secluded area near the Baligaon Panchayat office on the outskirts of the town.

The incident sparked outrage, and hundreds of people gathered at the spot. Protesters blocked the Bhadrak-Chandbali main road at Baligaon, burning tires and demonstrating. The road blockade left hundreds of vehicles stranded on both sides of the road.

Upon receiving information, Dhamnagar SDPO Trilochan Sethi arrived at the scene and tried to pacify the protesters. However, the protesters refused to back down until the accused was arrested.

Later, Bhadrak SP Manoj Kumar Raut arrived at the spot and assessed the situation. He assured that the culprit involved in the crime would be arrested soon. Despite this assurance, tension prevailed in the Chandbali area.

Meanwhile, the Congress party strongly condemned the incident. Bhadrak District Congress Committee president Nalini Kant Mohanty warned that if the accused is not arrested within 48 hours, the party would take to the streets in protest.

The situation in the area remains tense, and a heavy police force has been deployed in Chandbali to prevent any further violence.

This morning, protesters blocked roads at several places in Chandbali town by burning tires. The blockade disrupted vehicular movement.