The body of an 11-year-old girl, missing since Saturday evening, was recovered from a nullah near Shyamsundarpur in Odisha's Angul district on Sunday morning, police said. The girl had gone out to play in the area under Angul Sadar Police Station limits but did not return home, prompting her family and locals to file a complaint that night. Angul Superintendent of Police Rahul Jain confirmed that an investigation led to the discovery, with a scientific team and dog squad deployed to examine the site.

Jain assured personal oversight of the case, stating, "We are investigating all angles." The body has been sent for post-mortem to determine the cause of death, amid local allegations of rape and murder. Police emphasised that the autopsy report will clarify details as they work to gather evidence.

Outraged residents staged a blockade on the Angul-Bantala Road, demanding immediate arrests and justice for the family. The protest disrupted traffic for several hours, reflecting community anger over the tragedy.

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Such incidents highlight escalating concerns about child safety in Odisha, where NCRB data shows a surge in crimes against minors in rural areas. Authorities have called for calm while promising a thorough probe, with community leaders urging enhanced vigilance and faster responses to missing persons reports.

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