Udit Pradhan, the suspended president of the Odisha Student Congress, was sent to Jharpada Jail on Monday after his bail was rejected in a high-profile rape case.
The Mancheswar police arrested him late on Sunday night following allegations by a 19-year-old private college student, who claimed she was drugged and assaulted at a Bhubaneswar hotel. The case has sparked widespread attention, fueled by viral social media content and political accusations.
After his arrest, Pradhan underwent a medical examination at Capital Hospital and was presented before the Bhubaneswar SDJM Court, which ordered 14 days of judicial custody. He is currently held in a special cell at Jharpada Jail.
The complainant’s statement was recorded under BNS Section 161, and her medical examination was conducted by SI Sanjukta Sahu, who is leading the investigation. The police have collected CCTV footage from the hotel and are questioning two of the complainant’s friends, who were reportedly present during the incident. The investigation is exploring all angles, including potential involvement of others.
Pradhan has denied the allegations, calling them a “planned conspiracy” by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the BJP government. He urged the public to await the medical report, suggesting it could vindicate him.
Meanwhile, social media has been abuzz with photos and videos from March 18, allegedly showing the complainant’s friend, Ayushman Sahu, and others consuming intoxicants at a house party. In a video statement, Ayushman, named in the FIR, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the complainant was invited to a house party where she consumed alcohol and smoked. He distanced himself from the viral content, stating it was unrelated to the allegations and merely showed typical group photos. The police are yet to verify the authenticity or relevance of this material.
As the investigation progresses, the case has raised questions about political motivations and the role of social media in shaping public perception. The outcome of the medical reports and CCTV analysis will be critical in determining the next steps.
