Bhubaneswar: A 36-year-old man was arrested on charges of raping a married woman after offering her a lift in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha recently.

The accused has been identified as Rabindra Behera, son of Katina Behera, of Bangaladahi village under Baisinga police limits in Mayurbhanj.

Behera offered a lift to the married woman while she was waiting for a vehicle to reach a hospital in Rupsa area of Mayurbhanj Friday night, sources said.

Behera allegedly took the woman to a nearby forest on his bike and raped her before fleeing the spot. The victim was later rescued by a few passersby, sources added.

The victim’s husband lodged a complaint in this regard with Baisinga police.

The police have arrested the accused and produced him in a local court after registering a case in this regard.

“The accused has been sent to jail after his bail plea was rejected by the court,” said a police officer.