Odisha nursing student harassment and photo leak case: Two including victim’s ex-boyfriend arrested

Odisha police arrested two individuals on Wednesday in connection with the physical and mental harassment of a young nursing student from Raighar block in Nabarangpur, whose intimate photographs were allegedly leaked on social media. The act had reportedly driven her to attempt to take her own life.

According to reports, the arrests included her former boyfriend, Uddharba Gadanayak, who was seen in the viral images, and Satyajit Sarkar, the key accused behind the leak.

The arrests were made from different districts following an intensive search. Uddharba was apprehended from Jeypore, while Satyajit was traced to Daspalla in Nayagarh district and arrested from a bus using mobile tracking technology. Both have been charged under relevant sections of the IPC and IT Act, and further investigation is underway.

Victim in Critical Condition After Attempt To Take Life

The student, pursuing a B.Sc. Nursing in Jeypore and staying in a hostel, consumed poison on July 17 after her private photos were widely circulated online.

As of this morning, she remains in critical condition with damage to her liver, kidneys, and brain. Initially treated at Umerkote and later shifted to Raipur, she was eventually taken home due to deteriorating health and limited recovery.

The shocking sequence of events began on July 13, when Satyajit allegedly assaulted the girl in public at Jeypore market, leaving visible facial injuries.

Though the incident was reported to Jeypore Town Police, both parties were reportedly released after an informal compromise. On July 15, the girl filed an official FIR and returned home with her guardian. Days later, the leaked images surfaced online.

Digital Harassment and Delayed Justice

According to police sources, Uddharba, the girl's former partner, had shared intimate photos with Satyajit, who then posted them on social media.

This public humiliation, compounded by prior physical assault, reportedly pushed the student to attempt to take her own life. On July 23, her grandfather lodged a fresh complaint at Raighar Police Station, after which police recorded her statement and intensified the investigation.

A special team was formed by Nabarangpur police, which swiftly conducted raids across districts. Satyajit, who was fleeing by bus, was intercepted and detained based on real-time mobile surveillance.