The Child Welfare Committee (CWC) here has directed for an inquiry after a 13 -year-old missing girl child was rescued and lodged in a short stay home on Tuesday.

The minor was missing since May this year and rescued  by Childline, Khaira unit, with the help of police from the house of one Dhrutiban Sahu when the latter  was away from home.

When rescued by thr Childline team, they found vermilion on her head suggesting she is married.

Sahu (35) is married since 10 years and has an 8-year- old son out of his wedlock with Madhusmita. In fact, Madhusmita had informed to the child rescue agency and police about presence of the girl in her house.

The victim after being rescued has been lodged in Nari Sangha and her medical examination is conducted, said Nari Sangha president Gopamudra Mohapatra.

CWC chairman Bhagirathi Barik said an inquiry is underway regarding the missing child by the District Child Protection Officer. Further, action would be taken after obtaining report from the DCPO.

“Since the child is a minor, her marriage with accused Dhrutiban or any one  is treated illegal as per law. Hence, the police have been directed to register a case under POCSO Act against the accused. The statement of the minor would be recorded under 164 CrPC and the DCPO has been directed to submit report for further action on the issue,” said Barik.  

The minor of village Patherapentha under Khantapara police station limits was missing since May last and the parents and relatives had failed to trace her.

The parents had lodged an FIR with the police regarding missing of the child.