Bhubaneswar, Dec 24: The Bhadrak police on Wednesday arrested the prime accused in the shocking alleged rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Chandbali town, bringing a major breakthrough in the case that has triggered widespread public outrage. The accused has been identified as Babul Das, a resident of Chandbali, police officials confirmed.

Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rout said the prime accused was apprehended from Jagatsinghpur following sustained efforts by the police team. “The prime accused has been arrested, and the investigation will continue accordingly,” the SP said, adding that all possible angles are being examined. In connection with the case, Chandbali police have also detained five other persons for questioning.

The victim, a Class III student, had left her house around 2 pm on Tuesday but failed to return. After frantic searches by family members and local residents, her body was discovered around 8 pm, prompting immediate police action. The body was seized and sent to the Chandbali Community Health Centre for postmortem examination.

The incident sparked intense public anger, with locals staging road blockades at multiple places in Chandbali by burning tyres and demanding swift justice. To maintain law and order, additional police forces, including a platoon, were deployed in the area. A scientific team has also been engaged to assist in the investigation, which remains ongoing.

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