Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Aug 30: A 9-year-old girl who had been missing for three days was found dead on Thursday evening in an abandoned three-storey building in the Balgopalpur industrial area, under Remuna police limits in Balasore district, Odisha. Authorities suspect that the girl may have been raped before her murder.
The police have detained a suspect, Rabi Singh, who is being questioned in connection with the case. Reports indicate that the girl was allegedly abducted on Tuesday morning by Singh, who reportedly lured her with an offer of puri and curry for breakfast. When the girl did not return home, her father filed a complaint with the Remuna police.
The family had previously suspected Singh, who was known to frequent their home, of being involved in the abduction. The police conducted an investigation and discovered the girl’s body in the abandoned building.
Preliminary findings suggest that the girl was killed by being struck with a boulder. The exact cause of death and whether she was sexually assaulted will be confirmed after postmortem and further medical examinations. The SDPO has stated that more details will be released as the investigation progresses.