In yet another shocking development that has rocked Odisha’s political landscape, Amaresh Jena, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) corporator from Bhubaneswar, was arrested on Sunday following allegations of rape and forced abortion by a 19-year-old woman.
The arrest, which culminated a three-day manhunt, saw the Laxmisagar police apprehend Jena from Nilagiri in Balasore district. Alongside Jena, five associates were also detained in connection with the case, intensifying the scrutiny on the corporator’s conduct.
The complainant, a resident of Jena’s ward originally from Puri district, lodged a formal complaint on July 23, 2025, accusing Jena of sexually assaulting her and coercing her into an abortion. According to her statement, recorded by the police and a magistrate, the alleged relationship began in 2023 when she was a minor. In February 2024, while still underage, she became two months pregnant, and Jena allegedly forced her to terminate the pregnancy by administering pills. The police, acting on substantial evidence, registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The charges against Jena include BNS Section 64(2) for rape, Section 89 for causing abortion without consent, Section 296 for obscene acts, Section 351(2) for criminal intimidation, and Section 6 of the POCSO Act for sexual assault on a minor under 20 years. Following his arrest, Jena underwent a medical examination at Capital Hospital and was presented before a POCSO Court on Sunday. His bail plea was rejected, and he was remanded to Jharpada jail, where he is currently held in a special cell. The five associates arrested in the case were also sent to judicial custody after court proceedings.
The arrest has triggered significant unrest, with Jena’s wife and supporters staging a protest outside the Laxmisagar police station, claiming he was framed in a political conspiracy ahead of upcoming elections. Jena, while being taken to jail, alleged that Archana Nag had orchestrated the accusations against him. He urged the media to question Nag for clarity, asserting that she was fully aware of the situation.
In response, Archana Nag released a video statement denying any knowledge of the complainant or involvement in the case. She accused Jena of attempting to deflect blame, stating, “He is facing the consequences of his actions. Let the truth come out.”
The BJD swiftly distanced itself from Jena, announcing his immediate suspension from the party. Bhubaneswar district BJD president Ashok Chandra Panda issued a statement emphasising the party’s commitment to women’s safety and dignity. “The BJD has always prioritised women’s honour and protection. This is a sensitive matter, and our disciplinary committee will investigate thoroughly. The law will take its course,” Panda said. The party clarified that Jena’s suspension would not impact its reputation, underscoring its zero-tolerance policy for such allegations.
The case has taken a political turn, with debates intensifying over the credibility of the accusations and their timing. The complainant’s video appeal to the Chief Minister for justice, released prior to Jena’s arrest, added further weight to the case, prompting swift action from the authorities.
The police, led by Zone 4 ACP Abhimanyu Nayak, confirmed that the arrests were based on concrete evidence and the victim’s recorded statements. The investigation remains ongoing, with the police probing the roles of all accused individuals.
This high-profile case has raised questions about accountability in public office and the safety of women in Odisha. As the legal process unfolds, the public and political observers await further developments in what has become a deeply contentious issue.
