Kendrapara, Aug 10: In a significant breakthrough in the tragic self-immolation case of a 21-year-old college student in Pattamundai, Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria confirmed that the accused, Pramod Behera, has been arrested based on concrete evidence.

The arrest follows days of intense investigation into the incident.

The victim, a third-year political science student, allegedly set herself ablaze after facing months of cyber harassment and blackmail from her ex-boyfriend.

SP Kataria stated that forensic analysis of the accused’s mobile phone, call records, and digital communications provided sufficient grounds for the arrest.

“We have verified the evidence thoroughly. The accused was in constant contact with the victim, and there is proof that he circulated her private videos to multiple individuals, including her father,” said SP Kataria during a press briefing.

The accused reportedly made six calls and sent multiple messages to the victim the day before her death, added the SP.

The victim’s family had earlier approached the police to file a complaint, but their plea was dismissed by ASI Shailendra Narayana Palei, who advised them to block the accused instead of registering an FIR.

The accused’s mobile phone has been sent to a forensic lab for further analysis. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from the victim’s neighborhood, which may provide additional leads,, said the SP.

The SP emphasised that the investigation will be swift and impartial, and those found guilty will face strict legal consequences.

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