Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) corporator in Bhubaneswar, Amaresh Jena has been suspended from the party after his arrest in connection with a rape case.
The party issued a press release, suspending Jena with immediate effect. “Amaresh Jena, Corporator, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation, is hereby suspended from Biju Janata Dal with immediate effect,” read the official order of the BJD.
He was arrested by the Laxmisagar police station for allegedly raping and forcing a young woman to undergo an abortion without her consent in February 2024, when she was still a minor. The police also arrested five persons who helped Jena evade capture.
The allegations against Jena include rape, foeticide, cheating, and criminal intimidation. The 19-year-old woman accuses Jena of sexually exploiting her with promises of marriage.
BJD president Naveen Patnaik suspended Jena, and his case has been transferred to the BJD disciplinary committee. Jena is currently in police custody and will be forwarded to court. The BJD’s action reflects the party’s stance on serious allegations, and the case is under investigation.
