Bhubaneswar, May 26 -- https://images.odishatv.in/uploadimage/library/16_9/16_9_0/recent_photo_1748240154.webp
A 45-year-old temple priest allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl inside a temple premises in the Jamankira area of Odisha's Sambalpur district.
The alleged rape incident occurred on Sunday and has since triggered anger and concern in the region.
According to the victim's family, the crime took place when the minor accompanied her father to the temple to assist during daily rituals.
Sources reported that the regular priest of the temple was unavailable that day, prompting the temple committee to appoint another priest temporarily; and as such, the accused, reportedly in his mid-40s, was serving in this interim role.
Reports adde...