Bhubaneswar, June 8: A youth was arrested by Dhauli Police on Monday on charges of allegedly raping his girlfriend at a hotel in the Uttara area after taking her there without her consent. The arrest followed a complaint lodged by the survivor, who approached the police seeking immediate action in the case.
According to police sources, the alleged incident took place at a hotel under the jurisdiction of Pipili Police Station. However, the woman submitted a written complaint at Dhauli Police Station on Sunday, detailing the circumstances under which the alleged offence occurred.
Acting promptly on the complaint, Dhauli Police registered a Zero FIR, a legal provision that allows a police station to record a complaint irrespective of territorial jurisdiction in cases requiring urgent action. Officials then initiated an investigation without delay and proceeded to apprehend the accused.
Police said the accused and the complainant were known to each other and had reportedly been in a relationship for some time. However, the woman stated in her complaint that she had neither consented to accompany the accused to the hotel nor agreed to the alleged sexual act.
Following preliminary investigation, the accused was taken into custody and arrested. The case was subsequently transferred to the appropriate police jurisdiction for further legal proceedings in accordance with established procedures.
Investigators are currently recording statements, collecting evidence and verifying the sequence of events surrounding the incident. Police officials emphasized that allegations involving sexual offences are treated with utmost seriousness and are investigated thoroughly.
The case has once again highlighted the importance of the Zero FIR mechanism, which enables survivors to seek immediate police assistance regardless of where the alleged offence took place. Further investigation into the matter is underway.
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