Bhubaneswar, July 25: The Commissionerate Police in Bhubaneswar on Friday registered a case against a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) corporator for allegedly sexually exploiting a 19-year-old girl under the false pretext of marriage.
The accused, identified as Amaresh Jena, has been booked by Laxmisagar police under Sections 64(2)(m), 89, 296, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
According to a complaint filed by the victim, the BJD corporator came into contact with the girl during a social event in June 2023. He reportedly gifted her a mobile phone at the time, when she was still a minor.
Subsequently, Jena, who is already married, is said to have developed a relationship with her and allegedly maintained physical relationship by promising to marry her. He reportedly told her that he would divorce his wife to be with her.
However, after the girl became pregnant in February 2024, the BJD corporator allegedly forced her to get an abortion.
The victim said that in April, Jena took her to Puri in his car and hurled abusive words at her. He even physically assaulted the girl and told her to leave the capital city, warning her not to reveal anything about their relationship.
Jena allegedly threatened her with serious consequences if she spoke to anyone about the matter.
In her complaint, the victim has asked the police to take action and deliver justice. She also warned that she would resort to self-immolation if no proper steps are taken.
After registering the case, the police recorded the victim’s statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and sent her for a medical examination.
