BJD Corporator Amaresh Jena Arrested Amid Serious Allegations: What You Need to Know

Arrest of BJD Corporator Amaresh Jena

Bhubaneswar: Amaresh Jena, a corporator with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Bhubaneswar, was apprehended in Balasore district on Sunday due to a rape allegation filed against him in the state capital, according to police reports.

The prominent BJD figure faces multiple charges, including rape under section 64(2), miscarriage without consent under section 89, obscene acts under section 296, and criminal intimidation under section 352, in addition to section 6 of the POCSO Act. The complaint was lodged at the Laxmisagar police station on Wednesday.

After Jena went missing from his residence and other known locations, authorities formed a special team to locate him. He was eventually found in a village within the Berhampur police jurisdiction in the Nilgiri area of Balasore and taken into custody.

A police official noted that Jena had been hiding in a village near the forest, likely planning to escape into the wilderness if law enforcement attempted to capture him. However, the operation was conducted discreetly, preventing his escape.

Following his arrest, the BJD issued an immediate suspension order for Jena, stating, "Amaresh Jena, Corporator, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, is hereby suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect."

BJD Bhubaneswar president Ashok Panda addressed the media, asserting that Jena's suspension would not impact the party. He emphasized that the party prioritizes its principles and that the law will take its course. Panda reiterated the BJD's commitment to women's rights, stating that Jena's legal troubles would not tarnish the party's reputation.

On the same night, police detained five of Jena's associates for allegedly aiding him in evading arrest. These individuals, from Khurda and Jagatsinghpur districts, were later placed in judicial custody after their bail requests were denied.

A 19-year-old woman accused Jena in her complaint of rape, foeticide, deceit, and intimidation. While on the run, Jena claimed to the media that he was "innocent" and had been "framed" by the ruling BJP.

The survivor alleged that Jena exploited her sexually under the pretense of marriage when she was just 17. She stated that he took her to Puri, engaged in sexual relations, and forced her to terminate a two-month pregnancy in February 2024 when she was still a minor by giving her pills.

Additionally, she claimed that he threatened her to keep the incident confidential.

Authorities have documented the survivor's statement, and she has undergone a medical examination.

Earlier this week, Bhubaneswar police also arrested the state president of NSUI, Udit Pradhan, for allegedly raping an engineering student, leading to his suspension from the party.