Bhubaneswar, May 13: A love triangle allegedly led to the abduction and brutal assault of two youths in Bhubaneswar. The victims were rescued late at night by the Infovalley Police Station police from an abandoned house in the Chatabar area. Police detained eight persons, including a female student, in connection with the incident before releasing them on notice.

According to police sources, the girl studies at a private educational institution in Gangapada. Ranjan Behera of Jajpur, though not a student of the college, frequently visited the campus with friends and was reportedly in a relationship with the girl. However, the girl had recently developed closeness with another student, which allegedly triggered tensions.

Ranjan had allegedly threatened to leak objectionable photos and videos of the girl on social media, following which the girl and her associates reportedly plotted revenge.

On Monday, the girl allegedly called Ranjan to the Jatni Gate area. Ranjan and one of his friends arrived there on a motorcycle, where they were allegedly attacked by the girl and her associates. The duo was then forcibly taken away in a car.

After receiving information from locals, the Infovalley Police Station police rushed to the spot, but the accused had already fled with the victims. The abductors allegedly took the two youths to an abandoned house in Chatabar, tied them up, and thrashed them mercilessly.

Using details about the abduction spot and the vehicle number, police launched a search operation and rescued the victims at around 11 pm. Police also seized the car used in the crime.

Eight persons, including the girl student, were brought to the police station for questioning. Since all the accused were students, police later issued notices and released them, officials said.