Crime in Odisha / Additional Secretary Arrested on Rape Charges in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: Commissionerate Police on Friday arrested Arun Biswal, Additional Secretary of the Transport Department, Government of Odisha, following allegations of misconduct and sexual assault lodged by a woman colleague, police said.

The arrest was made by Kharavel Nagar police after the complainant, an office steno, accused Biswal of forcefully entering her residence at midnight and attempting rape.

According to police sources, Biswal allegedly misused his position over a prolonged period to harass the complainant. On the night of the incident, he reportedly broke into her house and assaulted her, prompting immediate police action.

The survivor’s statement has been recorded, and police have registered a case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Charges include Section 64(2)(b) (rape), Section 109(1) (attempt to murder), Section 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 296 (use of obscene language), and Sections 351(2) & 351(3) (criminal intimidation with serious threats).

Police said that Biswal was subjected to a medical examination before being produced in court. His counsel, however, claimed that the allegations were fabricated and insisted his client was innocent.

The incident has triggered concern among employees of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC), where Biswal had official oversight. Questions have been raised about workplace safety and the protection of women employees in the department.
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Officials indicated that departmental proceedings may follow, with the Transport Department expected to review the charges and take appropriate action. The case has drawn public attention to issues of workplace harassment and accountability within government offices.