Cuttack, Odisha : A shocking incident of sexual assault and blackmail has led to the arrest of six individuals, including a minor, in connection with the rape of a college girl. The alarming case has drawn widespread attention and raised serious questions about the safety of women in public spaces. The incident came to light when the victim, a college student, lodged a complaint at the Cuttack Police Station on November 4. According to police officials, the girl was targeted after offensive videos were recorded of her during a visit to a cafe. The arrest of the accused, which includes the girl's boyfriend, follows allegations that she was blackmailed with the threat of these videos being shared on social media.
Cuttack Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena stated that the girl's ordeal began when the cafe owner allegedly captured intimate footage of her. This footage was used as leverage to exploit and assault her over a series of days. The police report indicates that the girl was coerced into sexual acts under the threat of having her videos made public. “Initial investigations revealed that the victim was subjected to repeated assaults after being manipulated by her boyfriend and the cafe manager,” said Meena during a press briefing. The police have since confiscated mobile phones from the arrested suspects, which are now undergoing forensic analysis to uncover further evidence.
As the investigation unfolds, police have assured that measures are in place to prevent the dissemination of the sensitive material involved. Community outrage has surged, with local leaders and citizens demanding swift justice for the victim and enhanced protections for women. Congress MLA Sophia Firdos has publicly criticized the police for delays in processing the victim's complaint. Firdos visited the Director General of Police to voice concerns regarding the victim's experience of having to report her case at two different police stations, questioning the efficiency of the response from law enforcement in such a critical situation. As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, the focus remains on supporting the victim and addressing the broader issues of safety and accountability in the face of such heinous crimes. Further updates on the case are expected as the investigation continues.
