Puri, Sept 12: In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked public outrage across Odisha, a 43-year-old college lecturer and his associate were arrested for allegedly assaulting and publicly humiliating the lecturer’s estranged wife and her male companion at Nimapada town in Puri district.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on Tuesday night, was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, prompting swift police action.

According to the police, the lecturer forcibly entered the rented residence of his 37-year-old wife, who had been living separately for several years with their 14-year-old son. Enraged by the presence of her male friend—also a teacher—the lecturer and his associate allegedly assaulted both individuals and paraded them through the streets, accusing them of having an extramarital affair.

Also Read: Affair Allegation Turns Ugly: Nimapada Man Parades Wife, Alleged Lover in Public

The victims were reportedly garlanded with plastic garlands and forced to walk toward the police station while being pushed and humiliated in front of a crowd. The woman and her companion have denied the allegations of an affair, and a formal complaint was lodged with the Nimapada police station.

Inspector-in-charge Bamadev Swain confirmed the arrests and stated that the accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges of assault, outraging the modesty of a woman, criminal intimidation, and public humiliation. Police have also seized two mobile phones, a motorcycle, and a hammer used during the incident.

The case has reignited conversations around domestic violence, vigilantism, and the misuse of social media to amplify personal vendettas. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation and emphasized the importance of legal recourse in resolving marital disputes.