Police arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the alleged rape and murderous assault of a woman near the Sapua riverbed close to Bhapur market in Odisha, on Sunday. The shocking incident had reportedly taken place on April 27 this year and had triggered concern in the area of Dhenkanal district.

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According to police officials, the accused has been identified as Sukuta Naik, a resident of Bhapur. He was arrested following an investigation into the case and later produced before a court.

Police officials said a blood-stained weapon was also seized from the accused during the investigation. Authorities believe the accused acted alone in carrying out the crime. Senior police officials stated that preliminary evidence collected during the probe points towards the involvement of the arrested individual.

As part of the investigation, police have recorded the statement of the rape survivor and gathered several pieces of evidence related to the case. Officials, however, have not publicly disclosed further details regarding the motive behind the incident, stating that the probe is still underway.

The case had sparked outrage after reports emerged about the brutal assault on the woman near the riverbed area. Police intensified their investigation over the past few weeks before finally arresting the accused.

Authorities said forensic and other technical evidence are also being examined as part of the ongoing probe. Police officials maintained that all aspects of the case are being thoroughly investigated to ensure appropriate legal action.

The incident has once again raised concerns over women’s safety and security in isolated public areas. Locals have demanded strict punishment for the accused and stronger policing measures in vulnerable zones.

Police have assured that the matter is being treated seriously and further investigation is continuing under relevant legal provisions.

“The case earlier registered at Bhapur Police Station is No.- 362/2026. After completing the investigation of that case today, we have arrested one person whose name is Sukuta Nayak, a resident of Bhapur. The sections under which he has been arrested are 126, 127, 76, 150, 118, and 109 of the BNS. Applying all these sections, we have produced him in court,” Dhenkanal SP, Abhinav Sonkar, said while speaking to mediapersons.

“The victim’s statement has been recorded by the police, and we have obtained many types of evidence. In the coming days, we will collect two or four more pieces of evidence, and we plan to file the chargesheet within 60 days,” the Dhenkanal SP added.