In a major embarrassment for Odisha&rsquo;s ruling party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) corporator Amaresh Jena was arrested on Sunday in connection with a rape case involving a 19 year old woman. The arrest came after days of evasion and growing public outrage.
The Commissionerate Police apprehended Jena from a relative&rsquo;s home in Balasore&rsquo;s Nilagiri area, where he was allegedly hiding to avoid arrest. The development marks a significant moment in the case, which has stirred political and social debate in the state.
The survivor, who filed her complaint on July 23 at Laxmisagar police station, accused Jena of repeatedly exploiting her sexually over the past year under the false promise of marriage. She claims that their relationship began when she was still a minor, during a religious event in June 2023, and escalated to coercion, abortion, and threats.
Her statement outlines a disturbing pattern of manipulation. She alleges that after becoming pregnant earlier this year, Jena forced her to undergo an abortion. Later, in April 2025, he reportedly assaulted her and ordered her to leave Bhubaneswar, warning her to remain silent about their relationship.
The swift arrest was followed by an equally prompt political move,&nbsp;the BJD suspended Jena from the party with immediate effect. A formal order issued by party Vice President Pratap Jena confirmed that the corporator has been removed from all roles and membership, a clear signal that the party is attempting damage control ahead of public backlash.
So far, five individuals have been arrested for helping Jena evade the law by offering him shelter and transportation. Legal experts say this could lead to charges of criminal conspiracy and obstruction of justice.
The case has sparked widespread concern about accountability in local governance and the moral responsibility of political parties to act against leaders accused of grave crimes. Many are now watching to see whether the BJD takes further internal steps to address the issue or treats this as an isolated case.
The police have registered an FIR under relevant sections of the IPC and POCSO Act, given the survivor was allegedly a minor at the time of the first incident. Medical and forensic evaluations are ongoing.
As the case unfolds, it raises uncomfortable but necessary questions about power abuse, gender justice, and the political will to act decisively when leaders cross ethical and legal boundaries.

BJD Corporator Held in Rape Case, Suspended

Amaresh Jena arrested, accused of rape and forced abortion of minor girl

BJD Corporator Held in Rape Case, Suspended

Amaresh Jena arrested, accused of rape and forced abortion of minor girl

July 28, 2025 | 24:08 IST