Shocking Allegations: Widow Claims Journalist Assaulted and Blackmailed Her
Disturbing Incident in Rajnagar
Rajnagar: A widow has lodged a formal complaint with the local police, alleging that a man, who claimed to be a journalist, sexually assaulted her and recorded explicit videos to blackmail her, all under the pretense of assisting her in acquiring land at a reduced price.
The woman, who hails from Pattamundai, has been residing in a rented accommodation in Rajnagar for the last five years after losing her husband twelve years ago. Approximately two years prior, three men—Sanjay Panda, Shishir Sen, and Surya Narayan Bas—visited her, presenting themselves as members of a journalists' association. They assured her they could help her purchase land in Shasan village (within the jurisdiction of Pattamundai Adarsha Police Station) at a bargain price, according to her complaint. Despite her consistent refusals, she was allegedly enticed with false promises.
In March 2022, she handed over Rs 1.5 lakh in cash in front of two witnesses. A month later, Sanjay Panda reportedly requested an additional Rs 20,000 through Shishir Sen, which she also paid. However, she stated that no land was ever registered in her name. When she later sought a refund, Panda issued a cheque for Rs 1.5 lakh, which was never honored.
The woman claimed that in December 2024, Panda and Sen forcibly entered her home while she was alone. She alleged that Panda assaulted her in the bedroom while Sen restrained her and recorded the incident. The accused then used the explicit footage to extort money from her, threatening to kill her son if she reported the matter. They also forcibly reclaimed the cheque previously given to her. Initially, she remained silent due to fear of social stigma but eventually approached the police after enduring ongoing threats and repeated assaults.
In her complaint, she accused the suspects of threatening to distribute the video and coercing her into unwanted physical relations.
Meanwhile, Rajnagar IIC Naresh Kumar Sahu confirmed that one individual has been detained for questioning regarding the allegations. He stated, “Investigations are ongoing. We will file an official report only after gathering sufficient evidence during the preliminary inquiry.”