Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Berhampur, Jun 8: In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, two young cousins, aged 11 and 15, were allegedly abducted and gang-raped by four individuals in Ganjam district on Tuesday night. The horrifying crime came to light late Thursday after the mother of one of the survivors filed a police complaint.

The girls had traveled to a village in the district with their family to attend a wedding ceremony. While one cousin was from a nearby village, the other resided approximately 40 kilometers away. At the wedding, they encountered two men, one of whom was known to one of the victims. The girls were reportedly lured away by these two men and left the venue with them on their motorbikes.

Concerned family members launched a frantic search when the girls couldn't be found. The girls returned early Wednesday morning and, when questioned about their disappearance, recounted the harrowing experience to their families.

According to police, the initial two accused transported the girls to a nearby location where two other individuals were already present. The four men then allegedly held the girls captive and subjected them to gang rape before abandoning them.

Upon learning of the incident, the girls' family members informed villagers, and a decision was made to report the crime to the police. Authorities confirm that the accused managed to flee the village shortly after realizing a case had been registered against them.

"We have formed two police teams and have launched a comprehensive manhunt to apprehend the accused," stated SP (Berhampur) Saravana Vivek M. Police have recorded the victims' statements and conducted medical examinations; the reports are currently awaited.