Ex-Boyfriend Arrested in Kendrapara After Odisha Woman’s Self‑Immolation

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A 25-year-old man has been arrested in Kendrapara district, days after a 19-year-old woman allegedly died by suicide through self-immolation. The arrest comes following allegations from the woman’s family that the accused, her former boyfriend, had been blackmailing and harassing her.

According to police sources, the two were in a relationship for nearly two years but separated six months ago. Following the breakup, the man allegedly began threatening the victim with the release of private videos. The woman’s father stated that the accused had already shared some of these videos with family members and acquaintances, leading to immense mental trauma for the victim.

The young woman set herself on fire in her house earlier this week and later died of her injuries. Her death sparked outrage in the local community and prompted authorities to launch a swift investigation.

An FIR was filed based on the family’s complaint. The accused has been booked under charges of abetment to suicide, sexual harassment, stalking, and various sections of the Information Technology Act. Police have seized his mobile phone and are analyzing its contents for further evidence. Initial reports suggest that dozens of obscene videos involving the victim were found on the device.

Authorities are also examining CCTV footage and mobile data and are recording witness statements to determine whether the victim acted alone or was pushed to the extreme by sustained harassment. The police have also deployed additional security forces in the native villages of both the victim and the accused to prevent any potential unrest.