Odisha Student Congress president Udit Pradhan has been arrested by Mancheswar Police on charges of rape, following allegations made by a young woman who claims he sexually assaulted her after giving her an intoxicating drink at a hotel on March 18.
Details of Allegations:
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The woman alleges she lost consciousness after consuming the drink.
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Upon waking, she was allegedly threatened by Pradhan to remain silent.
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Her statement has been recorded, and Pradhan was taken into custody Sunday night.
Legal Charges Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
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BNS 64(1): Rape
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BNS 123: Administering intoxicants to commit a crime
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BNS 296 & 74: Displaying obscene behavior
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BNS 351(2): Criminal intimidation and coercion
Pradhan’s arrest triggered overnight protests by his supporters at Mancheswar Police Station, creating tension at the site. However, police maintained control and avoided escalation.
The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of women’s safety in Odisha. Just days earlier, the Congress party, along with the BJD and others, led a statewide bandh protesting the FM College incident, accusing the BJP-led state government of failing to protect women.
Now, the arrest of a Congress student leader on similar charges has sparked allegations of hypocrisy and embarrassment for the opposition.
Neither Udit Pradhan nor the Student Congress has issued a public statement.
