Bhubaneshwar (Odisha) [India], June 17 (ANI): The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the brutal gang-rape of a 20-year-old college student at Gopalpur beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district, demanding swift justice and stringent action against the accused.
In an official statement on Tuesday, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said she has written to Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania, urging immediate arrest of all remaining accused, a time-bound investigation, and provision of free medical and psychological assistance for the survivor. The commission has also sought an action-taken report from the Odisha government within three days and called for victim compensation under Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the incident as “highly deplorable and a crime against humanity,” assuring that no perpetrator would be spared. “Strictest punishment under the law will be ensured,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement. Acting on the CM’s directions, police swiftly arrested 10 individuals, including six adults and four juveniles.
Berhampur Superintendent of Police Sravana Vivek M provided harrowing details of the incident, which occurred on Sunday evening. The survivor, a student of a local college, had gone to Gopalpur beach with her male classmate. Around 8 p.m., a group of 10 local youths—six adults and four minors—approached the pair while they were sitting in a secluded area. The gang overpowered them, tied up the young man, and dragged the woman to a nearby location about 50 meters away, where three of the accused raped her while the others stood guard.
The survivor and her male friend reported the incident to police later that night, prompting the formation of a special investigation team. All 10 suspects were taken into custody soon after. The six adults have been formally arrested, and the four minors have been presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. Given the severity of the crime and the ages of the juveniles (all aged 17), police intend to request that they be tried as adults.
“All 10 accused—six adults and four minors—have been identified and apprehended. The minors, though under 18, are aged 17, and considering the brutality of the case, we will seek permission from the Juvenile Justice Board to try them as adults,” SP Sravana Vivek M said.
The case has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed shock and called for accountability and enhanced safety measures for women, especially in tourist areas.
“The news of the gang-rape at Gopalpur beach, a major tourist destination in Odisha, is deeply shocking and has left everyone shaken. It is strongly condemned. The safety of women in tourist destinations has been questioned. The government should take strict steps to ensure the safety and security of women in the state,” Patnaik said in a statement on X.
The incident has reignited urgent calls for stronger enforcement of women’s safety measures and quicker judicial proceedings in cases involving sexual violence. (ANI)
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