Cuttack youth arrested for ‘kidnapping’ college student after offering lift, forcing marriage

Bhubaneswar Mahila police arrested a youth from Cuttack for allegedly abducting a college student, illegally confining her and attempting to coerce her into marriage after luring her with the offer of a lift from her campus.

The accused, identified as 22-year-old Hritik Nayak from the Madhupatana area of Cuttack City, was produced before a local court following his arrest by the Bhubaneswar Mahila Police Station.

According to sources, the survivor, a young girl student of a private college in the city, had known the accused on social media. Taking advantage of this acquaintance, Nayak allegedly approached her outside the college and promised to drop her home. Believing she was being escorted safely by someone familiar, she agreed to travel with him, police said.

Lift Offer Turned Into Alleged Abduction

Police officials stated that instead of taking the student to her home as promised, the accused forcibly diverted the route and allegedly took her to his own residence. Officers added that the girl was reportedly detained in the house against her will and subjected to pressure to accept marriage with the accused.

Reports added that the accused allegedly attempted to confine her using physical intimidation and threats, preventing her from contacting family or leaving the premises. No other occupants were immediately identified at the residence, but police are verifying whether any family members or neighbours were aware of the confinement.

Survivor Escapes and Approaches Police

The incident reportedly came to light only after the survivor found an opportunity to flee from the house. Police said the victim managed to escape without alerting the accused and made her way directly to the Mahila Police Station, where she narrated the ordeal and filed a formal complaint.

Following the complaint, police registered a case under charges related to kidnapping, wrongful confinement and coercion. A team was immediately dispatched to trace and arrest Nayak.

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Accused Sent to Judicial Remand

Sources added that Nayak was arrested, medically examined and later presented before the court. Officials stated that additional charges may be added during the course of the investigation, depending on statements, phone records, and recovery of any evidence from the accused’s residence.

Investigators are also examining whether the accused had planned the abduction beforehand and if any attempts were made to contact the survivor’s family. Police said questioning of the accused will continue to determine whether others played a supporting role or were aware of the alleged confinement.

As of the latest reports, the survivor is currently under police protection and has been provided support as the legal process continues.