Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) corporator Amaresh Jena, a prominent Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader, was arrested Sunday in Nilagiri, Balasore district, after evading capture since Wednesday in a high-profile rape case involving a minor. The arrest, executed by a special team from Laxmisagar police station, follows allegations of rape, forced abortion, and criminal intimidation, sparking outrage and political scrutiny.
Jena faces charges under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 64(2) (rape), 89 (miscarriage without consent), 296 (obscene act), and 352 (criminal intimidation), alongside Section 6 of the POCSO Act, for aggravated sexual assault on a minor. The 19-year-old survivor, a resident of Jena’s ward from Puri, alleged in her complaint that Jena exploited her under the false promise of marriage starting in June 2023, when she was 17. She claimed Jena took her to Puri, raped her, and in February 2024, forced her to abort a two-month pregnancy with pills, later threatening her life to silence her.
The BJD swiftly suspended Jena, with party president Naveen Patnaik issuing an immediate order. Bhubaneswar unit president Ashok Panda called the case “sensitive,” referring it to the party’s disciplinary committee, emphasizing that “the law will take its course.”
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On Saturday, police arrested five of Jena’s associates—Bibek Kumar Swain, Bikram Mohanty, Debendra Kumar Bhola, Suman Kumar Sahoo, and Rajib Champati—for aiding his escape. Hailing from Khurda and Jagatsinghpur districts, they were charged under multiple BNS sections and Section 6 of the POCSO Act, and remanded to Jharpada jail after bail rejection.
The survivor’s medical examination is complete, and her statements, recorded under BNSS Sections 180 and 183, detail the abuse and threats. Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena confirmed ongoing raids to ensure justice, amid the survivor’s threat to self-immolate if denied. Jena, while absconding, claimed to media he was framed by the ruling BJP, a defense now under scrutiny as police intensify investigations.
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