New Delhi [India], June 23 (ANI): The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday took suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging the gang rape of a 20-year-old female college student by nearly ten men on Gopalpur sea beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district on June 15.
According to a statement issued by the NHRC, the young woman had visited the beach with a male friend to celebrate a festival when they were allegedly attacked. The perpetrators overpowered her friend and proceeded to sexually assault her.
The Commission observed that the details reported by the media, if accurate, raise grave concerns of human rights violations. As a result, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Odisha, demanding a detailed report within two weeks.
The Commission has requested specific details, including the current status of the investigation, the victim’s health condition, and any compensation or psychological counselling provided by state authorities.
According to the media report, published on June 16, 2025, the victim was taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for medical evaluation. Seven suspects have been detained by the police in connection with the incident.
Meanwhile, Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das has sharply criticized the state government for what he described as administrative failure in both the Gopalpur gang rape case and the recent cholera outbreak. Speaking to ANI, Das remarked, “Crimes against women have spread like a pandemic in Odisha,” and blamed the increase in such crimes on ineffective governance and lack of seriousness about women’s safety.
Referring to the Gopalpur incident, Das accused the state government of inaction and insensitivity, emphasizing that the spike in sexual violence clearly illustrates the growing danger women and girls face in the state. (ANI)
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