Balasore, March 20: A 28-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a 22-year-old speech-impaired girl here. The incident took place on Monday, however, the cops were informed only on Tuesday.

The accused, Nala Singh, a resident of Nilgiri Notified Area Council, was remanded in judicial custody after medical examination yesterday.

The victim, who is an orphan, knew the accused. Singh had gone to her house on the afternoon of Holi. He allegedly raped her and threatened her with dire consequences if she let anyone know about the incident.

The girl informed about the incident to her brother when he returned. Subsequently, he lodged a police complaint. The police have registered a case under sections 376 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code and begun a probe.

Sub-divisional police officer S.R. Mahapatra said: “Both the accused and the victim belong to the same tribal community. The accused has been arrested and he has confessed to committing the crime.”