Ex-BJD MLA in sex tape row arrested from Andhra Pradesh

Bhubaneswar: After being on the run for over a month, ex-BJD MLA Debendra Kanhar was arrested today from Ichchapuram in Andhra Pradesh by a team of Kandhamal Police.

Kanhar was arrested based on a complaint filed by a woman who accused him of misbehaving with her and trashing her mother.

However, Kanhar, after his arrest, refuted the allegations levelled against him.

“I have appeared before the police today. Earlier, I had also moved the Orissa High Court, but due to the on-going agitation of the lawyers I could not seek any assistance in this connection,” said Kanhar.

The woman had also accused Kanhar of pressurizing her to maintain sexual relationship. In her complaint filed before the police on September 3, the victim had alleged that the former MLA from Phulbani thrashed her mother as well.

"Debendra Kanhar has relationships with multiple girls and blackmailing them as well,” the woman had said in her complaint.

“He (Kanhar) was in an inebriated condition and trespassed into our house. Repeatedly he asked my daughter why she is not having a relationship with him. He beat up me as well,” mother of the complainant had told earlier.

Days after the woman brought such allegations; a sex tape of the legislator surfaced which exposed his involvement in immoral acts.

While commenting on the alleged sex tape, Kanhar today claimed that the truth will come out if the video is sent for investigation to cybercrime officials.

Following the serious allegations against the former MLA, the BJP Mahila Morcha had stepped up attack on Odisha government and had also observed a 12-hour bandh in Kandhamal on September 28.