Bhubaneswar, Jun 27: Commissionerate Police on Saturday arrested a man accused of raping a Plus-3 student inside a private studio here in Odisha, in a case that has once again raised concerns about women’s safety in the state capital.

According to police sources, the accused, identified as Lokanath Das, allegedly confined the student inside his studio and sexually assaulted her against her will. The survivor, who had been working part-time at the studio, lodged a complaint at Bharatpur police station, leading to Das’ arrest.

Police said the accused had repeatedly expressed romantic interest in the student, which she rejected. On the day of the incident, Das allegedly shut the studio shutter and forced himself on her. Following the assault, he reportedly threatened to malign her character if she approached the police.

The survivor later filed a formal complaint, after which Bharatpur Police registered a case and took the accused into custody. Police said that further investigation is underway, and the survivor’s statement has been recorded.

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In a separate incident, Commissionerate Police arrested hotel employee Jayant Kumar Nayak for allegedly attempting to rape a non-Odia woman inside the hotel at JIA Colony in the city. According to police sources, Nayak confined the woman and tried to assault her before fleeing the spot. Acting on her complaint at Bharatpur police station, police conducted a raid and arrested the accused. The survivor’s statement has also been recorded, and investigations continue.

Both cases have triggered widespread outrage in Bhubaneswar, with activists and residents demanding stricter enforcement of laws and stronger monitoring of workplaces, hotels, and establishments. The incidents highlight the vulnerability of young students and women engaged in part-time jobs or staying in temporary accommodations, often without adequate safeguards.