Overview

• Odisha police detained four men on June 7 after they allegedly lured 13- and 14-year-old cousins from a June 3 wedding in Ganjam district, held them captive and gang-raped them before attempting to flee to Visakhapatnam.
• Authorities registered a case under BNS Section 70 (gang rape) and Section 11 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, recorded victim statements, conducted medical examinations and produced survivors before the Child Welfare Committee for counselling.
• In Godda district, Jharkhand, eight of ten suspects were arrested for the June 6 gang rape of a 17-year-old tribal girl who was attacked after leaving a marriage ceremony to relieve herself.
• Police have launched raids to apprehend the two remaining accused in Godda amid allegations that a local panchayat met to suppress the victim’s complaint, and investigators continue to gather evidence.
• Opposition leaders in Odisha have pressed officials for expedited trials and stricter enforcement as both state governments face criticism over the handling of sexual violence against minors.