Bhubaneswar: A rape attempt on a woman was reported on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on Sunday evening after she accepted a lift from a motorcycle rider. The accused has been arrested, and the victim was rescued from the Ratanpur Reserve Forest area.

According to police sources, the woman took a lift from a man at Khurda Bus Stop. The rider allegedly diverted towards the Ratanpur Reserve Forest and, at a secluded spot, attempted to sexually assault her.

The woman resisted and managed to escape, running into the forest. However, she lost her way and later contacted the police.

An extensive search operation was launched by the police, led by the ACP Zone-3 and involving over 50 personnel, along with support from locals. With the victim’s mobile phone battery running low, officials acted swiftly using coordinated search efforts.

Police had also prepared to deploy drones, flare guns and other methods to locate her if needed.

After a prolonged search, the woman was traced and safely rescued. Police said she is physically stable but was traumatised by the incident.

Initially reluctant to file a complaint, the woman was later counselled and agreed to lodge an FIR. A case of attempt to rape has been registered at Infovalley Police Station.

The accused has been arrested and his motorcycle seized. Police have withheld further details to protect the identity of the victim.