Berhampur, June 11: Police have arrested a youth for allegedly murdering his girlfriend and attempting to disguise the crime as a road accident. The accused, identified as Rakesh Acharya of Nimakhandi Pentha under Digapahandi police limits, was produced before a court after his arrest.

According to police, the victim had been repeatedly pressuring Rakesh to marry her. To avoid the commitment, he allegedly hatched a plan and took her on a motorcycle ride to Gopalpur on June 7. While returning late at night, he allegedly pushed her off the motorcycle near the Ankuli Overbridge, resulting in her death. He later tried to portray the incident as an accident.

The victim, a native of Rohi village, had completed her Plus Two Science education and was staying in Berhampur to prepare for the NEET examination. Following the incident, Rakesh informed her family that she had died in a road accident.

However, discrepancies in his account raised suspicion among the victim’s relatives. Her uncle, Kahnu Jena, lodged a complaint at Baidyanathpur Police Station, prompting a detailed investigation.

During the probe, police examined the circumstances surrounding the woman's death and allegedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the incident was a premeditated murder staged as a traffic accident. Based on the findings, Rakesh was taken into custody and later forwarded to court.

Further investigation into the case is underway.