Rourkela, July 20: Seven persons were arrested in connection with two gang-rape cases here on Sunday. One of the accused is allegedly involved in both the cases.

In one incident, three motorcycle-borne youths accosted a minor girl when she was returning home after attending rath yatra procession on Saturday and took her to a nearby jungle and raped her.

The accused were drunk and were apparently known to the girl. Her victim's mother lodged a complaint with the police based on which Valentina Gudia, Rajesh Gudia and Ujwal Lakra were arrested.

In the other incident, a girl from Karalabahal village was intercepted by five bike-borne youths near the railway gate when she was returning home after seeing off her friend.

They took her to a nearby jungle and sexually assaulted her. The accused here, too, were in an inebriated state. After the girl lodged a complaint with the Lathikata police, Sumit Bage, Mohit Gudia, Rajesh Gudia, Bipin Gudia and Glad Dang were arrested.

Tushar Jena, sub-divisional police officer, Panposh, said: "They will be forwarded to the court. Rajesh Gudia was involved in both the cases." All the youths are in the twenties.

Bodies found

Two bodies were found in a garage behind Hanuman Vatika in Rourkela today. One of the deceased has been identified as Haveli Toppo, 28. The identity of the other person is yet to be ascertained. Both the bodies bore injury marks caused by a sharp weapon that was found near the spot.

The police could establish Toppo's identity from his driving licence, which was found in his pocket. He lived in the nearby plant site area. The cops suspect that the two had an illicit relationship and that might have been the motive behind the murder. The husband of the woman is missing.

One shot

Motorcycle-borne criminals today opened fire on a man when he was returning from Nuagan village market. Sitaram Sahu, 62, a resident of Gafoor Busti, was returning home on his cycle when the goons fired at him. The victim received bullet injuries to his shoulder and stomach.

Sahu has been shifted to Ispat General Hospital and his condition is critical. Sub-divisional police officer of Biramitrapur A. Rana said: "We are investigating the case and cannot say much about it."