Another Odisha shocker: BJD corporator held for rape of minor; was absconding since 4 days

BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar police on Sunday arrested BJD corporator Amaresh Jena (49) for allegedly raping a minor girl in 2023. He was on the run since a case was registered against him on July 23.His arrest came a day after the police arrested his five associates for allegedly aiding his escape after the rape case was registered against him.“We have arrested him from the Balasore area. He will be produced in court,” a senior police officer said.On Saturday, the govt terminated the appointment of Amaresh's elder brother, Samaresh Jena, from his position as an additional standing counsel.On July 23, the rape survivor, who is now 19, lodged a complaint alleging that Jena sexually abused her in 2023.

As per the complaint filed by the girl, she met Jena in June 2023 during Raja festivities, and their friendship grew after that. She alleged that she aborted a two-month-old pregnancy in February last year.She said Jena convinced her to abort, promising that he would divorce his wife and marry her.The girl accused Jena of starting to avoid her since April and threatening to kill her unless she left the city. The girl threatened self-immolation if no action was taken on her complaint.