Brahmapur: Police have arrested the father of the young woman who allegedly attempted self-immolation in Brahmapur after she accused him of sexually abusing her, marking a major development in the ongoing investigation.
Police have taken suo motu cognisance of the matter due to the gravity of the incident and registered a case, as no formal complaint had initially been received. During the investigation, the victim, who is currently undergoing treatment at private hospital in Bhubaneswar after being referred from MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Brahmapur, recorded her statement before the police and alleged that she had been subjected to sexual abuse by her father.
Based on her complaint and the evidence collected during the investigation, police arrested the accused, who is a teacher, and produced him before a court on Saturday.
The investigating team has also seized the victim’s mobile phone and recovered chat messages believed to be relevant to the case. Officials said the contents of the chats are being examined as part of the investigation but declined to reveal further details.
Police said the investigation has also brought to light fresh information, which is being incorporated into the case. Police added that some other names have surfaced during the inquiry and their possible involvement is being verified. Appropriate legal action will be taken if sufficient evidence is found against them, police said.
Police further stated that the victim had been living at her parental home and was reportedly in a depressed state of mind. During the inquiry, investigators also found that the accused had allegedly retained her educational certificates and refused to return them after she disclosed the alleged abuse to others.
“The victim has filed a complaint alleging sexual abuse by her father. Based on the evidence collected so far, we have proceeded with the case. If anyone else is found to be involved, they will also not be spared,” Brahmapur ASP Alok Jena told reporters.
The self-immolation attempt took place at Basudev Nagar in Nochapada under the jurisdiction of Nimakhandi Police Station in Ganjam district. Police said the investigation is continuing to examine all aspects of the case.
