Three Arrested in Bhubaneswar Gang-Rape Case Linked to Facebook Friendship
In a shocking incident in Bhubaneswar, police have arrested three men for the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman who connected with one of them on Facebook. The arrests happened on Saturday, and the accused have confessed to the crime, a senior police official confirmed.
The main accused, Chandan Ku Hati (alias Chandu), 25, from Chasikhanda village under Biridi police station, befriended the victim through the social media platform. They soon developed a romantic bond online. Chandan promised to introduce her to a musician and help her become a singer, which lured her into a trap.
Working with his accomplices—Prasanna Ku Acharya, 37, also from Chasikhanda village, and Rajesh Kumar Das, 32, from Jagatsinghpur Town police station area—the trio planned the attack. On September 10, Chandan convinced the woman to leave her home for a supposed meeting with the musician. Instead, he and Prasanna took her to a lodge in the Chandrasekharpur area, where Rajesh works as the caretaker.
According to the victim’s sister, who filed the complaint, the men drugged the woman’s food at the lodge. They then locked her in a room and sexually assaulted her. Rajesh helped cover up the crime by letting them use the lodge.
Police registered case number 147/25 on September 11 based on the complaint and launched a quick investigation. "The accused tricked her with fake promises about her music career," the official said. "They spiked her food with drugs, confined her, and carried out the assault. Rajesh made it all possible as the lodge caretaker."
Acting on a tip-off, officers nabbed all three suspects on Saturday. During questioning, they admitted to everything. A court has now sent them to judicial custody as the probe continues.
This case highlights the dangers of online friendships and fake promises on platforms like Facebook. Authorities urge everyone to stay cautious with social media connections in Bhubaneswar and beyond.
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