Cuttack: Underscoring the urgent need for awareness on student safety, a 19-year-old college student in Cuttack came forward to report repeated assault and blackmail by three of her classmates and three others, including a minor, leading to the arrest of six persons.
According to the details shared by Cuttack DCP Jagmohan Meena , the incident took place when the young woman, a resident of Cuttack Sadar area, went to a local café in Puri Ghat area with a male friend on her birthday. During their visit, a third person, unknown to her but a friend of her companion, recorded her intimate footage without her consent. The footage was later used to blackmail her, forcing her into repeated sexual assaults.
The DCP informed that the survivor approached Badambadi police station on November 4 and filed a complaint. Upon learning of the woman’s ordeal, the police led by ACP Swastik Panda, launched an immediate investigation. Working across the Badambadi and Purighat police stations, they apprehended three persons on November 5 and three more on November 6. Among the suspects is a minor. Police have seized electronic devices to prevent further distribution of sensitive material.
DCP Meena urged anyone facing similar harassment to reach out for help without delay, stressing on the importance of reporting such incidents to ensure swift intervention and support for survivors. "We are committed to support survivors of such crimes and encourage young women to be vigilant and reach out for help when facing intimidation or harassment. We have women personnel in every police station who can help with such cases as per law," the DCP asserted.
