Berhampur, Jul 11: Police arrested the father of the woman who allegedly attempted self-immolation in Berhampur after she accused him of sexually abusing her.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Alok Kumar Jena said on Saturday that police took suo motu cognisance of the incident and registered a case given its seriousness.

Victim's Statement Recorded
The survivor, who is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, has recorded her statement before police.

Police also seized her mobile phone and are examining chat messages as part of the probe. The cops did not disclose the contents of the chats, citing the ongoing investigation.

Father Arrested
Jena said the survivor alleged that she had been sexually abused by her father.

"During the investigation, the victim disclosed certain facts, following which we seized her mobile phone. Prima facie, the allegations are against her father. Based on the evidence collected so far, he has been arrested and produced before the court," Jena said.

He added that the accused is a teacher and that the woman had been living at her parental home. Police also found that her educational certificates had allegedly been withheld after she disclosed the alleged abuse to others.

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More People Under Scanner
Police said fresh information has emerged during the investigation, and some other individuals have also come under scrutiny.

"If anyone else is found to be involved, they will not be spared. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on the evidence," Jena said.

Probe Continues
It can be mentioned here that the self-immolation attempt took place under the jurisdiction of Nimakhandi Police Station in Berhampur.

Police said the investigation is continuing into all aspects of the case.