Bhubaneswar: Police have launched a search for a pastor in Kalahandi district, identified as Jinesh Kumar of Themra village, who is accused of sexually assaulting an eight-month pregnant woman. The woman reportedly sought his help for an illness, believing he could cure her through prayer. Kumar is currently absconding.
According to the complaint filed at Bhawanipatna Sadar police station, the 20-year-old woman had been unwell for some time. She and her husband approached Kumar after he claimed he could cure her ailment through prayer.
The couple arrived at the pastor’s residence around noon on August 7. The pastor reportedly told them they would need to stay at his house for two to three days, which they did.
On the evening of August 8, the pastor took the pregnant woman to a room under the pretence of a prayer session and sexually assaulted her. She reportedly raised an alarm, but no one came to her aid. Later, the woman woke her husband and recounted the incident. She informed him that the pastor had previously mixed some medicine into his alcohol, causing him to fall asleep.
Following the assault, the pastor allegedly threatened to kill both the woman and her husband if they disclosed the matter and physically assaulted them. Fearing for their lives, the couple returned home.
The incident was subsequently reported to the woman’s family, who then lodged a complaint with Bhawanipatna Sadar police. Police registered a case and initiated an investigation. The woman also underwent a medical examination as part of the legal procedure.
Police officials stated that the woman’s statement would be recorded, and other relevant witnesses would be questioned. A police team has been formed, and raids are being conducted at various locations to trace the accused.
Additional Superintendent of Police Tara Jasmine Guria confirmed that a case had been registered based on the eight-month pregnant woman’s complaint and that the investigation was underway. She added that police teams were actively searching for the accused.
SDPO Naresh Pradhan also confirmed that the pastor was absconding and that efforts to locate and arrest him were ongoing. Police are still working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged incident. The investigation is continuing, and further details are expected to emerge after the victim’s and other witnesses’ statements are recorded and the medical examination is completed. The alleged incident has caused concern in the area, with police affirming that appropriate legal action will follow based on the investigation’s findings.
