Laxmisagar police have arrested a local youth leader on charges of sexually assaulting a woman at a hotel in the Bomikhal area of the capital city.
The accused has been identified as Sashikant Lenka, alias Alok, a resident of Tihudi in the Niali block of Kataka district, where he serves as an elected Samiti member.
According to the complaint filed at the Laxmisagar police station, the accused allegedly lured the survivor from Niali to Bhubaneswar under false promises. He accommodated her at an OYO hotel in Bomikhal, where he forcibly assaulted her.
Following the incident, the survivor lodged a written complaint with the Laxmisagar police. Authorities acted swiftly, registering a case and sending the survivor for a mandatory medical examination. Police stated that initial investigation findings and preliminary medical reports corroborated the allegations, leading to Lenka’s arrest on Saturday.
Both the survivor and the accused hail from the Niali region, where the incident has triggered widespread discussion and political ripples.
Police officials confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to gather all physical and technical evidence. The accused will be forwarded to court following due legal procedures. Police assured that the investigation will remain impartial and free from external influence.
