Baripada: Police detained a self-styled occultist for allegedly raping a 30-year-old woman who had approached him seeking help to resolve problems in her marriage, officials said.
The accused, identified as Laxman Lohar, was detained by Bisoi police, who registered a case (218/26) and are questioning him.
He is likely to be produced in court soon, Bisoi police station officer Subarna Behera said.
The woman, who was admitted to Rairangpur Sub-Divisional Hospital in poor health, alleged that Lohar confi ned her at his residence for three days and raped her.
According to police and local sources, the woman, a native of Joda in neighbouring Kendjhar district, had been living alone in the Goruma hisani area after the death of both her parents.
She married a man from the Bisoi police station area in September last year.
Police said she subsequently faced strained relations with her husband and mother-in-law.
She was also reportedly unwell and emotionally distressed.
Seeking to resolve the prob lems in her marriage, she approached Lohar last Thursday.
Lohar, who lives near Pukri put Dam Square in Madhupur village, allegedly told her that he could resolve her problems through occult rituals and worship, sources said.
The woman alleged that Lohar then confi ned her at his house for three days and sexually assaulted her.
She fell seriously ill Monday and managed to call a 108 ambulance, following which she was taken to Rairangpur hospital.
She reportedly told hospital staff about the alleged assault. Bisoi police visited the hospital Tuesday, recorded her statement and arranged for her medical examination.