Youth Arrested for Blackmail, Abduction Attempt in Mayurbhanj

Baripada:In a shocking incident under the Baisinga police station limits of Mayurbhanj district, a youth from Balasore was arrested for allegedly blackmailing a young woman using morphed obscene images and attempting to abduct her after she resisted his advances.

The accused has been identified as Prince Kumar Jena, a resident of Somanathpur in Balasore district.

According to police sources, Prince had befriended the woman on Instagram and later managed to obtain her mobile number. He allegedly downloaded her social media photos, digitally altered them into obscene content, and used the images to blackmail her. He reportedly threatened to circulate the morphed pictures online unless she agreed to meet him at a hotel.

When the woman refused to comply, the accused began harassing her with late-night calls, verbal abuse, and threats. On Monday evening, Prince contacted her again and pressured her to meet near a Middle English (ME) school in Baisinga.

Alerted to the situation, the woman informed her family. She visited the location with her niece as part of a pre-arranged plan. Upon her arrival, Prince allegedly tried to force her onto his motorcycle. The victim resisted the abduction attempt, resulting in a scuffle during which she sustained minor injuries.

Hearing the commotion, local residents and the woman’s family members intervened, rescuing her and detaining the accused. Prince was thrashed by the crowd before being handed over to police officers led by Sub-Inspector Ashok Patra, who reached the spot shortly after.

Following a formal complaint filed by the victim, Baisinga police registered a case under the appropriate sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). After preliminary investigation, the accused was produced before the court on Tuesday evening.

Police have assured that a detailed investigation is underway and action will be taken as per the law.