Odisha: College Student Gangraped At Gopalpur Beach, Male Friend Tied Up; 10 Held

A 20-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped at the famed Gopalpur beach in Odisha. Police arrested ten people on Tuesday in connection with the gang rape case. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the incident, urging the government to stay vigilant and ensure the safety and security of women in Odisha.

The incident took place on Sunday night when the woman, an undergraduate student at a private college in Odisha, went to the beach along with her boyfriend, who is also her classmate, on the occasion of the Raja festival, police told news agency PTI.

In her complaint, which was lodged at the Gopalpur police station, the woman alleged that they were approached by a group of 10 people, when they were sitting at an isolated place on the beach. They rounded up her boyfriend and took turns to rape her, she said in her complaint.

"Initially, seven people were detained for interrogation. Later, all 10 accused were arrested," a police officer told PTI.

The police officer said the accused were nabbed while they were trying to flee to another state. 

Police also said the survivor lived in a private mess along with three other women. "Medical examination of the survivor has been conducted," he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said she has ordered a thorough investigation in the case after speaking to SP Saravana Vivek M. Parida also said that she has directed authorities to take necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

Naveen Patnaik Condemns Incident

Odisha LoP and former CM Naveen Patnaik strongly condemned the gangrape case, highlighting how the incident has left the safety of women in tourist destinations in the state in question.

"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," he said in a post on X.

He further demanded strict steps be taken by the government to ensure women's safety.

"The government should be vigilant in preventing the increasing atrocities against women every day. The government should take strict steps to ensure the safety and security of women in the state," he added.

The incident has left people across the state in shock as several tourists from far-off places visit the beach in the Ganjam district. 

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