Baripada, Nov. 6: Mayurbhanj police have arrested four persons, including a special police officer, in connection with a gang rape case today. Later in the day, they were forwarded to court.

Sub-divisional police officer Gopinath Manipatra said: “Among the four accused persons, one is physically-challenged, while another is a special police officer.”

The special police officer was identified as Samrai Hansdah, 24, while the three other accused were Rajendra Marandi, 28, Sambhunath Mahakund, 30, and Banamali Marandi, 27. Banamali is a physically-challenged person.

All the accused belong to Chakua village within the limits of Badasahi police station of Mayurbhanj district.

The incident took place near a cremation ground along the road that connects Tungadhua and Bhandarikula village near Betnoti police station on Monday evening.

The 28-year-old victim, who was accompanied by her husband, was returning from her parents’ house when they were intercepted by the accused. They assaulted both the victim and her husband. When the husband fell unconscious, the accused persons forced themselves on her.

Villagers rushed to the spot on hearing the victim’s scream and rescued her. The police took the accused into custody. The injured couple were admitted to Badasahi Hospital.