Bhubaneswar, Oct. 27 -- A 12-hour bandh is being observed today in Jaleswar of Odisha's Balasore district from 6 am to 6 pm by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), demanding a proper investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl.

The girl went missing on October 18 after leaving for a dance class. Her body was recovered from Gherapada forest under Bartana panchayat the next day. Her family suspects the involvement of multiple persons in the crime.

Police had arrested a youth, Chandrakant, on suspicion of involvement in the case.

Shops and markets remain closed and vehicular movement has been disrupted across Jaleswar. The Congress and CPI(M) have extended support to the bandh.

The BJD has demanded a Crime Branch investigation i...