Bhubaneswar, March 30: In a disturbing incident reported from the capital, a woman from West Bengal was allegedly gang-raped after being lured with a lift offer by two men. The incident took place under the Tamando police station limits.

According to police and the victim’s complaint, the woman had come to AIIMS Bhubaneswar for the treatment of a relative. After leaving the hospital, she was waiting for transport to reach the railway station to return home when two men approached her, asking about her destination.

On learning that she was headed to the station, the duo offered to drop her in a private ambulance. Trusting them, the woman agreed and boarded the vehicle. However, after covering some distance, she realized that the vehicle was heading in a different direction. When she objected and asked them to stop, the accused allegedly ignored her and drove towards a secluded forest area.

The woman has alleged that the two men then sexually assaulted her in the isolated location.

Based on her complaint, Tamando police launched an investigation and arrested both accused. Bhubaneswar DCP confirmed the development, stating that the accused have been identified as Bichitra Sahu and Narayan Swain, residents of Nayagarh, and were working as private ambulance staff.

The incident has triggered fresh concerns over women’s safety in Bhubaneswar. With a recent similar case reported from the Dhauli area still fresh in public memory, the latest crime has raised serious questions over the city’s law and order situation.