Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday assured exemplary action against the perpetrators of the June 15 gangrape case, involving a 20-year-old student at Gopalpur sea beach.
Strongly condemning the incident, the CM described it as ghastly act and a crime against humanity. He asserted that no culprit involved in this incident will be spared, and his government will ensure strictest punishment permissible under the law for them. Individuals directly or indirectly linked to the incident would be brought to justice, he added.
The CMO release further stated that police have arrested 10 persons in connection with the incident.
Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said that she has ordered a thorough investigation and directed the SP to take all necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future. “I am deeply saddened by the incident of gang rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach. So far, 10 people have been arrested. I have spoken to the SP regarding this incident and have ordered a thorough investigation and necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in future,” Pravati posted on X.
Taking suo motu cognizance of the incident, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has also sought an action report from the Odisha government within three days. The commission has also called for immediate arrest of the remaining accused, a swift and time-bound investigation, free medical and psychological support for the survivor.
Among the 10 accused, four are juveniles aged 17 and police said that they would seek their trial as adults since it is a heinous crime.
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The alleged gangrape took place on Sunday evening when the Plus III student and her male friend had gone to the sea beach at Gopalpur to celebrate Raja festival. They reached an isolated part of the beach behind Pantnivas at around 6.30 pm. A group of youngsters were also present at the beach, about 50 metres from where they were seated. At around 8 pm, the group of 10 came from behind and overpowered them. They then took the woman around 50 feet away, where three among them took turns to rape her. The other seven accused held the male friend captive and kept a watch on them, according to police.
Two hours later, they allowed them to leave but warned them against reporting the matter to police. The survivor along with the male friend reached Gopalpur police station at around 11 pm. Following which, a case was registered under 70(1)/296 / 351(3)/310(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and seven persons were detained for interrogation, leading to the arrest of the remaining three accused.
The arrested have been identified as Pramod Nayak, Baburam Dalai, Kunal Pradhan, Om Pradhan, Lakman Pradhan, and Deepak Tarai. The four detained juveniles are from the Hinjili area.
