In a heart-wrenching incident that has horrified the community of Chargoth village in Jajpur district, a six-year-old boy, Shibu Raut, was found murdered in a stone quarry on April 23, 2025. Shockingly, the boy’s own family members, including his grandmother, father, and other close relatives, have been arrested for orchestrating the killing.
The Jenapur police, led by IIC Nirupama Jena, arrested five people under multiple serious charges including sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the POCSO Act, and the Child Marriage Act. The arrested include Gunthi Raut (grandmother and prime accused), Bahuda Raut (father), Madan Raut (grandfather), Biranchi Raut (uncle), and Barsha Rani Raut (aunt).
According to investigators, the murder stemmed from a twisted family conspiracy. Shibu’s mother, Mamata Raut, belonged to a marginalised community and had conceived Shibu following a relationship with Bahuda, which was later legitimised through a village council decision. Post-marriage, Mamata and Shibu endured relentless abuse, prompting them to move back to Mamata’s parents’ home.
Years later, Bahuda’s family sought to arrange a second marriage for him. However, potential brides backed out upon learning of Shibu’s existence. To remove this “obstacle,” the family allegedly plotted the child’s murder. Police say Gunthi Raut lured Shibu while he played near his home and pushed him to his death in a nearby quarry.
The discovery of the boy’s body the next morning led to community outrage. Locals confined the accused inside their house for nearly five hours before police intervention. An FIR was filed, and the accused were formally arrested and presented in court.
The brutality of the crime, compounded by the familial betrayal, has deeply disturbed the community. The police confirmed a premeditated conspiracy, and a detailed investigation is underway to ensure justice for Shibu.
This case underscores the urgent need for stronger child protection measures and highlights the perils of patriarchal norms in rural India that can lead to such unspeakable tragedies.
