Angul, Sep 12: In a shocking case of exploitation and betrayal, police in Chhendipada have arrested a man for marrying a minor girl, impregnating her, and later abandoning her.

The accused, identified as Arjun Nayak of Jarachhat village under Kundheigola police limits, was taken into custody and produced in court under charges framed through the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

According to police sources, Arjun lured the minor girl from Kanihan area into a romantic relationship and married her at a local temple in Kaichhapada under Chhendipada police limits. Following the marriage, the couple lived together in a rented house for eight months, during which the girl became nine months pregnant.

However, Arjun, who was already married and had a wife and daughter, returned to his native village and refused to accept the minor girl into his family. Later, he shifted her to a rented house in Kaliakata under Nishan Industrial Police limits and absconded, cutting off all contact.

The victim, left helpless and heavily pregnant, filed a written complaint at Chhendipada police station. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and arrested Arjun. He was produced before the local court on Friday.