Sambalpur: Sambalpur University Student Rescued Case; Attack Over Talking to Another Youth, Accused Married Man Rakesh Arrested

Sambalpur: A 24-year-old final-year student from the Library Science Department of Sambalpur University was found covered in blood near Metakani Temple on VIP Road, Atal Chowk, Burla, yesterday. Today, it became clear that the attack was due to one-sided love.

Attacker Arrested

The police arrested the accused, Rakesh Kumar Das, a married man from Mahatabnagar, under Burla police station. He confessed that he attacked the student out of jealousy after seeing her talk to another male student. The police seized the concrete slab used in the attack and the victim’s broken mobile phone.

Police Statement

During a press conference, Northern Range IG Himanshu Lal and SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamu confirmed the details of the case. The victim is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar after her family decided to move her from Vimsar, where she was initially admitted.

Attack Details

Rakesh had been meeting and talking to the student for the last two months. However, he did not want her to communicate with any other young men. When she refused to follow his demand, he lured her to a secluded spot.

While they were talking, she received a phone call. This made Rakesh furious, and in a fit of rage, he picked up a concrete slab and attacked her. The student suffered severe injuries to her face, resulting in heavy bleeding. After the attack, Rakesh took her mobile phone and fled the scene.

Investigation & CCTV Footage

A catering team was present near the crime scene. However, CCTV footage confirmed that an auto-rickshaw and a young man seen in the area had no connection to the attack.

Police Advice to Parents

IG Lal advised parents to monitor their children’s activities on social media and keep a close watch on their behavior.

Wider Impact & Protests

This attack comes just days after the tragic suicide of a KIIT student, which has led to widespread protests across the state. Students, parents, and organizations are demanding better safety measures for students. The attack on the Sambalpur University student has sparked further outrage, with people across Odisha condemning the incident.