Orissa tribals set ablaze houses to protest against rape of 15-year-old tribal girl

Bolangir (Orissa), Oct.7 (ANI): Tribals in Orissa's Bolangir district set ablaze houses of non-tribals, protesting against the alleged rape of a 15-year-old tribal girl.

The tribals from Bolangir and other nearby districts had gathered at the village in response to a call given by a tribal welfare group after news spread about the molestation.

"The police had come to arrest these people with a warrant. But the things went out of control and the tribals began to protest. They also held a meeting after which they ransacked our houses. They came in huge groups and set our houses on fire," Swain, a resident said on Wednesday.

A K Sarangi, Superintendent of Police, Bolangir, said: "Group of people ransacked the houses. As you can see they have ransacked, vandalised 10-11 houses. We have registered a case into the matter. We will apprehend all the people involved in this case. The investigation is in process."

Though a number of houses were set on fire, there were no casualties as the police had evacuated the houses.

Two non-tribal youths have been arrested in connection with the rape case. By Sarada Lahangir(ANI)