A rape victim committed suicide near the Dhenkanal district headquarters town on Sunday to save her face.
She was identified as Kamini Behera (17), daughter of Bipin Behera of Bhagabanpur village, four km from here.
Sources said Ranjan Sahu (35), a security guard in Dhekaal lIC Office, who is the deceased’s neighbour, on Saturday midnight raped Kamini. Ranjan forcibly dragged Kamini from his house and tied her hands and legs before committed the act.
The family members of Kamini rescued her from the house of Ranjan the same night. Bipin Behera, a poor daily labourer, however, decided not lodge any FIR with police, to avoid social stigma. Bipin has two other daughters. Besides, the accused begged apology for his misdeed.
Bipin though decided to end the matter, but the victim could not bear the shame. She poured kerosene on her own body and torched self.
On being informed, Town police seized the body and sent it to the Dhenkanal Headquarters Hospital for post mortem. The accused was not arrested when the report was last filed.