Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police have arrested the owner of a nightclub in Bhubaneswar, along with two of his associates, for allegedly molesting and threatening a woman DJ from Mumbai at a hotel in the city on Friday night.
The accused have been identified as Raghunath Sahu alias Raj (30), owner of Club Leo located in Raghunathpur, and his aides Anand Sethi (27) and Sweta Salony (21). All three were arrested today by Nandankanan police following a complaint filed by the victim, Heena Sheikh, who works as an HR manager in a corporate firm in Mumbai and performs as a freelance DJ.
According to the FIR, Heena was invited by Club Leo to perform at an event on July 11. She flew in from Mumbai and performed at the club that evening. The club authorities had arranged accommodation for her at Hotel Purple Leaf in Raghunathpur, where they also allegedly booked a room for Raghunath Sahu.
Later that night, the woman DJ was invited to Sahu’s room for dinner. Upon entering, she found the accused and a few others consuming alcohol and smoking. As per the complaint, when she attempted to leave the room, Sahu’s aides allegedly tried to block her exit and coerced her to stay the night with Sahu, threatening her with dire consequences if she refused.
Heena alleged that Sahu molested her, and when she resisted, the aides attempted to strangle her, amounting to a murder attempt.
Despite the attack, the woman managed to escape the room and contacted the police through the emergency helpline no.112. She later filed a formal complaint at the Nandankanan police station.
Acting swiftly, police launched an investigation and arrested all three accused. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to the crime.
A case has been registered under Sections 64(2)(f), 62, 109(1), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The police have assured that a thorough investigation will be carried out, and strict action will be taken.
