Overview
- Jena was arrested by Odisha Police from Nilgiri in Balasore district after a special squad manhunt and remanded for 14 days when his bail plea was rejected.
- He is charged under BNS sections 64(2) for rape, 89 for forced miscarriage, 296 for obscene act and 352 for criminal intimidation, as well as Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
- Five associates who aided his evasion remain in judicial custody after their bail petitions were denied.
- The 19-year-old survivor alleges exploitation beginning at age 17, including promises of marriage, sexual assault and a forced abortion in February 2024.
- The Biju Janata Dal suspended Jena immediately upon his arrest and has referred his case to the party’s disciplinary committee.