Police in Odisha’s Puri arrested three men on Monday for allegedly raping a 19-year-old college student in front of her boyfriend near Baliharchandi temple. The incident took place on Saturday evening, officials said.

According to police, the survivor and her boyfriend were sitting near the temple when the accused began filming them. They demanded money to delete the videos. When the couple refused, two of the accused allegedly raped the woman, while the others tied her boyfriend to a tree and assaulted him.

The survivor lodged a complaint on Monday evening after recovering from the trauma. Police said the three arrested men are locals and had deleted the videos before being taken into custody. Another accused is still on the run.

Increase in sexual assault cases in Odisha

This case comes amid a rise in reports of sexual assaults in the state.

  • Bhubaneswar case: Last Wednesday, a woman singer was allegedly raped by three men in a lodge. Police said the accused lured her with promises of a big music project, offered her a sedative-laced drink, and assaulted her. They were arrested on Saturday.

  • Kandhamal case: On September 5, a 14-year-old girl travelling to her sister’s village was allegedly raped by a 28-year-old man who offered her a lift in his car. He was arrested five days later.

  • Mayurbhanj case: Last month, a 10-year-old tribal girl was allegedly raped by a 20-year-old youth from her own community. The accused was later arrested.

Police said investigations in all these cases are ongoing.