In a chilling incident that highlights both the courage of a young woman and the swift response of local police, a motorcycle rider who offered a lift with sinister intentions was arrested after attempting to assault her in a dense forest near Bhubaneswar.
The victim, who fought back fiercely and hid deep in the jungle, was safely rescued following an intense, day-long search operation involving over 50 personnel, drones, and specialised equipment.
According to police sources, the woman was waiting near the Khurda/Pipatapalli bus stop when the accused approached her on a motorcycle and offered her a lift. Instead of taking her to her destination, he allegedly diverted towards Ratanpur forest with malicious intent. Once in the isolated area, he attempted to sexually assault her.
The woman displayed remarkable bravery by putting up strong resistance. She managed to break free from his grip and fled deeper into the forest, where she soon lost her way. In a desperate move, she contacted the police using her mobile phone. Her battery was critically low, adding urgency to the rescue mission.
Officials from Infovalley Police Station, along with teams from ACP Zone-3, Jatani, Khandagiri, Bharatpur, and other nearby stations, immediately swung into action. Over 50 police personnel, supported by local residents, launched a massive search operation that continued throughout the day. Using drones, flare guns, rescue rockets, and multiple coordinated teams, authorities scoured the dense jungle terrain.
By evening, the woman was located and safely rescued. She was reported to be in good health and uninjured. Initially hesitant to file a formal complaint, she was counselled by police, who emphasised the importance of reporting the case to prevent future incidents.
The accused has been arrested, and the motorcycle used in the crime has been seized. A case has been registered at Infovalley Police Station under relevant sections for attempted rape. The woman’s identity is being kept confidential, and the investigation is ongoing.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with accepting rides from strangers while also showcasing the determination of both the survivor and the police force in ensuring justice.
