Bhubaneswar, November 8: Odisha police on Friday arrested a youth from Jammu & Kashmir moments before he allegedly attempted to abduct a young woman from Jagatsinghpur district in the State.
The accused, identified as Sameer Mansoor, is originally from Bihar but currently resides in Jammu & Kashmir. According to sources, he and the young woman first connected in 2022 through the online game Free Fire, where they gradually developed a close friendship. However, it is alleged that Mansoor hid his religious identity while pursuing a relationship with her.
In March 2024, Mansoor reportedly visited Odisha, met with the woman, and engaged in a relationship with her during a hotel stay in Puri. Allegedly, he recorded private moments with her on his mobile phone without her consent.
The victim, in her complaint at Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar, stated that Mansoor pressured her to convert to his religion as a condition for marriage. Upon discovering his actual religious background, she refused, which reportedly led Mansoor to threaten her with blackmail.
According to the girl’s account, he demanded money under threats of releasing the compromising photos and videos, with her family having already paid him approximately Rs 5 lakh.
Police said Mansoor was en route to Odisha with the intent to forcibly take the woman back with him to Jammu & Kashmir.
Sanghamitra Rajguru, the victim’s lawyer, said, “After feeling unsafe, the young woman reached out to me. She faced relentless pressure to convert, and when she refused, he escalated to threats of severe consequences.”
The victim shared, “At first, he used a shortened name, and I believed he shared my faith. Only later did I discover his true background. My family and I have endured mental harassment, and I am seeking justice.”
Bhubaneswar Assistant Commissioner of Police (Zone 1) S.N. Muduli confirmed the arrest, saying, “A case has been registered, and the accused is now in custody. Appropriate legal action will follow.”
