Sonepur, Feb 24: In a major development in the dramatic abduction case, Odisha police have arrested the accused along with the abducted bride from Sambalpur on Tuesday morning. The accused has been identified as Sanjib Sahoo.

The incident, which resembles a film plot, unfolded in Odisha when a married lover kidnapped a newlywed bride just hours after her wedding.

According to police, the incident occurred on February 21 when bride Rashmi was returning home with her husband Rinku Patel - a resident of Balangir - after completing wedding rituals in Kamakshi Nagar, Balangir.

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Near Badabandha under Tarbha police limits, Sanjib, driving a white Maruti Brezza, intercepted the couple. Brandishing a firearm, he threatened the groom and others before forcibly taking Rashmi away.

Sanjib, who is already married and has a child, reportedly has multiple criminal cases against him. The shocking incident led Rinku to lodge a written complaint at Tarbha police station.

Following intensive investigation, police tracked the couple to Sambalpur and detained them this morning. All gold ornaments were seized during the operation.

District Superintendent of Police confirmed the arrest in a press briefing, stating that Sanjib is currently under interrogation and will be produced in court on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Rinku Patel has demanded compensation for the expenses incurred during the wedding, asserting that he no longer wishes to take Rashmi back.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with intellectuals remarking that such situations could be avoided if families engaged in proper discussions before marriage, preventing distress for both households and unnecessary legal complications.