Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police have arrested a youth for allegedly harassing a nursing student over a period of time by repeatedly making unwanted advances in Bhubaneswar.

The accused was identified as Srinibas Kumar Baral (35), a resident of Dhauli Bikipur. Police informed that Baral had joined as a bus driver at the nursing college in 2024 and fallen for the Second year student. He allegedly made persistent efforts to approach the student despite her lack of interest. As per the complaint, he kept calling her multiple times and sending frequent messages, pressuring her to accept his proposal. When the student reported the matter to the warden, Baral was removed from the job.

Accused continued harassing even after being fired from job

Sources said even after the student clearly rejected him, he continued his behavior, which caused her significant distress and inconvenience. On Sunday morning, he entered her hostel, created a ruckus and attempted to forcibly enter into her room by breaking the door. His actions eventually escalated to the point where the student felt compelled to seek help.

She subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the police, detailing the repeated harassment. Acting on the complaint, the police initiated an investigation, gathered necessary evidence, and arrested the accused.

The incident has raised local concern, drawing attention to harassment issues and the need for swift action against such behavior. It has sparked conversations among residents about safety, accountability, and respect, and has become a widely discussed topic across the city, with many calling for greater awareness and preventive measures.

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