On June 15, 2025, during the Raja Sankranti festivities, a horrific gang rape incident took place at Gopalpur Beach, Berhampur, Odisha, leaving the local community in shock. A female college student from Berhampur, accompanied by her male friend, was targeted by a group of 10 youths in a secluded area behind the Panthanivas Hotel. The police have arrested all 10 accused, including four minors, and the case has sparked widespread outrage.
The incident occurred around 8:30 PM when the victim and her friend, both students of a local college, were in a deserted spot near the beach. The group of 10 youths, who had been roaming the area on motorcycles after spending the day at the beach, spotted the couple. Five of the accused restrained the male friend, while three others allegedly gang-raped the female student. The remaining members acted as lookouts. The assailants threatened the victims with dire consequences if they reported the crime, releasing them around 10 PM.
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The traumatised victims reached Gopalpur Police Station by 11 PM and lodged a complaint. Acting swiftly, the police detained seven suspects initially and later arrested the remaining three. The accused have been identified as Pramod Nayak (23), Baburam Dalei (19), Laxman Pradhan (24), Om Pradhan (19), Deepak Tarai (19), Kunal Pradhan (24), and four 17-year-old minors. Pramod Nayak, a resident of Hundat village, works at an electronics factory in Bangalore and was home for the holidays. The others hail from villages under Hinjili and Belagaon police stations.
A case has been registered under sections 70(1), 296, 351(3), and 310(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The four minors have been presented before the Juvenile Justice Board, while the other six were produced in court. Medical examinations of the victims have been conducted, and their statements recorded. A scientific team and senior officials visited the crime scene to collect evidence. The investigation has been assigned to DSP Akshay Panda of the Integrated Unit for Children and Women, under the supervision of DSP Alma Lakra.
Berhampur SP Dr. Saravana Vivek M confirmed the arrests and stated that the minors have been sent to a juvenile home.
The incident has raised serious concerns about safety at popular tourist spots like Gopalpur Beach, especially during festive seasons.
Local residents and activists are demanding stricter security measures and swift justice for the victim.
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