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CUTTACK: An eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Nemalo of Cuttack district late on Thursday, police said on Friday. The girl was allegedly raped under Nemalo police limits while she had gone to watch jatra (open-air theatre) near her village.

The girl's family members found the minor in an unconscious state under a tree on Friday morning and took her to Nischintakoili community health centre (CHC). "The girl was lured by an opera artist, who promised to teach her dance. He took the girl to a deserted place and raped her and dumped her near a bush before fleeing the spot," said Cuttack rural SP , R B Panigrahi.

He said a scientific team went to the spot and collected samples. The girl was taken to SCB Medical College and Hospital for medical examination.

The condition of the girl is stable, informed Panigrahi. Having launched a probe into the incident, police have detained some members of the jatra group for questioning. The villagers alleged that one of the members of the jatra troupe was involved in the rape.

