Sambalpur: ‘Samarth’ Ashram Editor’s Horrific Act; Accused of Raping Female Inmate Held Captive, Forced Abortion After Assault

Sambalpur: A disturbing case of abuse at the ‘Samarth’ organization in Netaji Nagar, Sambalpur, has come to light. The investigation has revealed shocking facts about the mistreatment of mentally ill residents. A female resident’s complaint led the authorities to register a rape case along with the main complaint at Dhanupali Police Station.

Rape and Forced Abortion Allegations

Harish Chandra Das, the head of the NGO and the center’s administrator, has been accused of sexually assaulting a female resident for a long time. Reports indicate that after four months of pregnancy, the victim was forced to undergo an abortion. As a result of these serious allegations, the police arrested Das’s son, Shubhrajit Das (24), and an employee, Shubham Behera (19), from Deogarh district. They were later presented in court. Earlier, on Tuesday, the police had already arrested Harish Das and his assistant, Swagatika Pradhan.

How the Crime Was Committed

According to reports, Das kidnapped the victim from the city and confined her inside the facility. He repeatedly raped her, and when she became pregnant, he pressured her to have an abortion. When she refused, he forcefully gave her abortion pills. The victim tried to escape multiple times but failed.

Police Investigation and Arrests

On Wednesday, when IG Himanshu Lal and Sambalpur SP Smit P. Paramar visited the facility for investigation, the victim told them about her suffering. After her written complaint at Dhanupali Police Station, authorities registered the case and began an in-depth probe. The victim underwent a medical examination as part of the investigation. Additional SP Shashank Shekhar Behera confirmed that forensic teams collected evidence from the crime scene.

Residents to Be Relocated

Sambalpur District Social Security Officer (DSSO) Thabira Mahananda stated that all the residents of ‘Samarth’ will soon be relocated to a newly built government care center in Baijamunda. The center is well-equipped with facilities and furniture, and an experienced organization will take over its management. The relocation process is expected to be completed within a couple of days.

Social Media Video Exposed the Abuse

The abuse case surfaced after a video showing residents being brutally beaten at ‘Samarth’ went viral on social media. Following this, the district administration conducted a raid and initiated an inquiry. A formal complaint was lodged at Dhanupali Police Station by the District Social Security Officer.

Legal Actions Against the Organization

With four arrests made, including Harish Das and his son, the administration is now taking strict action against the NGO. Officials have started the process of canceling its registration and blacklisting the organization. Sambalpur District Collector confirmed that necessary legal steps are being taken to ensure justice for the victims.