Balasore/Bhubaneswar : A major political storm has erupted in Odisha after BJD Corporator Ameresh Jena, was arrested on Sunday morning by Commissionerate Police from Kalakad village under Barhampur Police Station limits in Nilgiri block, Balasore. He had been absconding for months in connection with a serious rape and POCSO case.
According to police, the arrest took place at 11 AM, following an intensive manhunt by a special team formed by Laxmisagar Police Station in Bhubaneswar. His capture marks a critical breakthrough in a case that had already led to the arrest and court trial of five of his associates.
According to information the victim, a young woman, had filed a complaint at Laxmisagar Police Station, accusing Jena of repeated sexual assault, forced abortion, and criminal intimidation. She alleged that the corporator maintained a physical relationship with her for months under the false promise of marriage, despite being married himself.
The complaint further states that in February 2024, when the woman informed him she was two months pregnant, Jena coerced her into an abortion by claiming he would soon divorce his wife and marry her. After the abortion, their relationship allegedly continued, including travel to various locations where sexual relations persisted.
However, the situation escalated in April, when Jena reportedly snatched her mobile phone while they were traveling in his car and warned her to stay away, allegedly threatening to kill her if she disclosed their relationship or the events.
Based on the victim’s testimony, a case has been registered under the following provisions:
IPC Sections 64(2)(M), 89, 296, 351(2)
Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012
(Case No. 394 at Laxmisagar Police Station).
