Minor Girl Raped in Berhampur: Fake Doctor, Two Women Arrested

Berhampur: A 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a man posing as a doctor at a clinic in Berhampur.

The accused, identified as Dr. Bhabani Shankar Das (47), who runs a clinic in the name of Vajpayee Arogyadam, has been arrested.

Two women associates of the doctor – Priyanka Sahu (21), of VIP colony under Baidyanathpur police limits and a 50-year-old anganwadi worker – were also apprehended by the police for abetting the crime, as per Berhampur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M.

Das reportedly lured the victim’s family with promises of free education and accommodation for the girl, claiming he could help her earn a BSc Nursing degree.

According to police, Das was introduced to the victim’s family by a 50-year-old Anganwadi worker from their village, who assured them of his intentions.

Trusting her, the victim’s mother, aunt, and cousin accompanied the girl to Vajpayee Arogyadam clinic, where Das convinced them to leave the girl in his care.

Later that evening, Das took the girl to a rented apartment, where his receptionist , Priyanka Sahu, allegedly gave the victim water to drink. The girl soon felt weak but remained conscious. Das then sexually assaulted her despite her protests. The victim later informed her aunt, and a police complaint was filed at Baidhyanathpur Police Station.

Police have arrested three people in connection with the case:

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the law, including the POCSO Act.

Medical examination of the victim was conducted. Scientific team visited the Vajpayee Arogyadam and the apartment and evidences have been collected, the Berhampur SP added.

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked outrage in the community and comes amid rising concerns over law and order in Ganjam district, with this being the second major rape case in the area within 10 days.