Bhubaneswar, July 20: A man was arrested on Sunday for allegedly attempting to rape a young woman after luring her with the promise of a lift from the Khordha bus stand. The victim was rescued by police following a five-hour search operation in the Ratanpur Reserve Forest.

According to police, the accused offered to drop the woman at her destination but allegedly diverted the vehicle to a secluded spot inside the reserve forest with the intention of sexually assaulting her. When he allegedly tried to attack her, the woman managed to escape and ran deeper into the forest to save herself.

Alone and frightened in the dense forest, the woman contacted the police for help despite her mobile phone having only 10 per cent battery remaining. Acting swiftly, police launched a massive rescue operation involving more than 50 personnel from Infovalley, Jatni, Tamando, Khandagiri and Chandaka police stations.

After an extensive search lasting nearly five hours, the police successfully traced the woman late on Sunday and rescued her safely from the forest area.

Following the rescue, police officers counselled the woman, who was initially reluctant to lodge a complaint due to trauma. After receiving support and reassurance, she filed a formal First Information Report (FIR) detailing the incident.

Based on her complaint, police arrested the accused and took him into custody. Investigators are now examining all aspects of the case and collecting evidence. Police said further investigation is underway, while officials praised the coordinated efforts of the rescue teams in ensuring the victim's safe recovery.

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