BJD Corporator Amaresh Jena Arrested for Allegedly Exploiting 19-Year-Old, Suspended from Party

Bhubaneswar: Amaresh Jena, a corporator of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has been arrested by the Commissionerate Police on serious charges of sexually exploiting a 19-year-old girl after allegedly luring her with a false promise of marriage. The arrest was made in Balasore during a late-night raid conducted by the Laxmisagar Police. The BJD has suspended Jena from the party with immediate effect following the arrest.

The complaint, lodged at the Laxmisagar Police Station on July 24, led to the registration of a case under Sections 64(2)(m), 89, 296, and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, since the alleged exploitation began when the victim was a minor.

According to the police, Jena met the girl during a social function in June 2023. At that time, the girl was underage. The accused allegedly gifted her a mobile phone and slowly developed a relationship with her. Despite being married, he is reported to have promised the girl that he would divorce his wife and marry her.

In February 2024, the girl became pregnant. She has alleged that Jena pressured her into undergoing an abortion. In April, he reportedly took her to Puri, where he verbally abused and physically assaulted her. He then allegedly threatened her not to reveal the relationship and warned of serious consequences if she did.

In connection with this case, five other individuals have also been arrested for allegedly helping Jena evade the police. These aides reportedly assisted him with transportation and provided him shelter while he was on the run. All five have been forwarded to the court.

The victim’s statement has been officially recorded under Section 183 of the BNSS. Police have confirmed that further investigation is ongoing to gather additional evidence and ensure justice is served.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of young women and the misuse of public trust by elected representatives. Law enforcement agencies have assured the public that the matter is being treated with utmost seriousness and transparency.