Daijiworld Media Network – Berhampur

Berhampur, Jun 17: In a shocking case that has rocked Odisha, police on Tuesday arrested six men and detained four juveniles in connection with the gangrape of a college student at Gopalpur beach, near Berhampur city. The incident took place on Sunday evening and has triggered a political storm across the state.

According to police, the group of ten – who had arrived at the beach on three motorcycles – confronted a young couple around 8 pm at an isolated section of the beach. While three of the accused allegedly raped the college student, the rest tied up and assaulted her male companion. The accused also reportedly extorted money from him in cash and via UPI.

The main accused has been identified as 23-year-old Pramod Nayak, who hails from a nearby town and was on leave from his factory job in Bengaluru.

Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M stated that the four juveniles involved are all aged 17, and the police would request the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to treat them as adults under the provisions for heinous crimes. “We are confident the board will consider our plea,” he said.

The survivor filed a complaint on Monday, following which a case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections related to gangrape, obscene acts, dacoity, and criminal intimidation. Medical examinations and the statements of both the survivor and her friend have been recorded, and scientific evidence from the crime scene has been collected.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter and has asked Odisha’s DGP to ensure a swift and time-bound investigation. The NCW has also demanded an action-taken report within three days.

The brutal incident has sparked massive outrage and political condemnation. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik called the crime “deeply shocking” and said it raises serious concerns about women’s safety in tourist zones. Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu criticised the BJP government, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in the state.

Deputy CM Pravati Parida said she has spoken to the SP and ordered a thorough investigation, promising steps to prevent such crimes in the future.

The case has drawn national attention and intensified demands for accountability and better protection for women, especially in popular tourist destinations like Gopalpur.