Bhubaneswar: Odisha DGP Y B Khurania on Tuesday directed CID-Crime Branch to take over the investigation of the alleged gangrape of a 20-year-old student at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district.
Speaking to the media, the DGP said that it will be treated as a ‘Red Flag’ case — a category which refers to a highly sensitive or serious crime that requires immediate attention, priority investigation, and direct oversight by senior officials.
“Three police teams conducted raids under the supervision of SP Berhampur soon after getting information about the incident and all 10 accused were nabbed. Considering the sensitivity of the case, it has been transferred to the CID-Crime Branch. It will be investigated under direct supervision of IG, Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW), Shyni S,” he said.
A CAW & CW team has already reached Gopalpur to initiate the probe, he added.
It is a specialised unit under the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Crime Branch of the Odisha Police that deals with crimes against women and children.
Also Read: Odisha CM Assures Exemplary Punishment For Gopalpur Gangrape Accused
This came hours after Chief Minister Mohan Majhi strongly condemned the horrific gangrape incident in Gopalpur, calling it “a heinous crime against humanity.” He also assured that those responsible will face the strictest punishment under the law.
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.
Also Read: Gangrape During Beach Outing In Odisha: Police To Request JJB To Try 4 Juveniles As Adults
What did Berhampur SP Sarvana Vivek M Say?
“On Sunday evening at around 6.30 pm, a 20-year-old woman and her male friend, who is also her classmate, visited Gopalpur. They walked on the Gopalpur beach and reached an isolated place a kilometre away from the main beach… They saw that 10 youths were 50-60 meters from their location. When they sat there, at around 8.30, these youths captured the male friend and picked up the woman. They kept a watch on the boy and physically abused the woman. Three of the accused persons raped her when the others held the male friend… As soon as they left them at around 10 pm, both the victims reached the police station and reported the crime… The police detained around seven suspects immediately, and after some time, the FIR was registered… The remaining accused were arrested later… Out of the ten accused, 6 are adults and 4 are juveniles… All juveniles are around 17 years old. All of them were detained today. They are being forwarded to the Juvenile Justice Board. We will make efforts so that the juveniles are treated as adults… We will try to get the maximum punishment for all…”
