In a disturbing development that has shaken the sports community in India, a minor girl was allegedly gang-raped by four hockey trainers in Odisha’s Jajpur district. The incident reportedly took place on July 3, 2025, during a training visit. The case has highlighted serious lapses in sports safety mechanisms, as the girl’s mother claims that her repeated alerts to the sports authorities were ignored.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to the police complaint, the minor was invited for dinner at a private lodge by her coaches, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted. The accused include two certified hockey coaches and two of their associates. The incident reportedly occurred while the girl was undergoing hockey training in Jajpur.
The mother of the victim stated that she informed officials multiple times, but no investigation was launched. It was only after continuous negligence that she turned to the police.
Timeline of Events
Date | Event |
---|---|
July 3 | The minor was allegedly gang-raped at a lodge in Jajpur |
July 4–16 | Victim’s mother informed sports authorities; no action taken |
July 17 | Complaint re-raised; authorities promised ICC review |
July 20 | Police complaint officially filed at Jajpur Town PS |
July 21 | Four accused were detained by police for questioning |
July 22 | Victim recorded statement under BNSS Section 183 in POCSO court |
Police and Legal Update
Sarat Patra, Inspector-in-Charge of Jajpur Town Police Station, confirmed that all four suspects have been detained. According to Rajiv Mohanty, the special public prosecutor, the girl gave her statement before a woman magistrate under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
However, no medical examination was conducted, raising serious concerns about procedural compliance in a case under the POCSO Act.
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Inaction by Sports Authorities
The most alarming aspect of the case is the alleged inaction by Jajpur’s sports administration. Despite being alerted on multiple occasions, no internal inquiry or complaint resolution process was initiated. The mother claims she was repeatedly promised action through the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), but no steps were taken.
Parallel Incident Raises More Alarms
In a separate but similarly disturbing event, the District Collector of Jagatsinghpur has suspended the principal and a mathematics teacher of Swami Arupananda College for allegedly suppressing a sexual harassment complaint involving another minor girl. This pattern of negligence raises deep concerns about institutional accountability in Odisha’s education and sports sectors.
Public Reaction and Call for Action
Public outrage continues to grow as citizens, activists, and child welfare advocates demand:
- Immediate suspension and arrest of all accused
- Mandatory medical examination and forensic verification
- Strict implementation of the POCSO Act
- Independent probe into the role of local sports officials
- Urgent policy reforms for child safety in Indian sports
The minor rape case in Odisha is a horrifying reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young athletes and the systemic failures of protective institutions. While the arrests mark a beginning, true justice will depend on a transparent investigation, swift prosecution, and permanent reforms in how complaints from minors are handled in sports and education settings.
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