Bhubaneswar: The CAW & CW wing of Odisha CID-Crime Branch, investigating the gangrape of an undergraduate student during beach outing in Gopalpur on June 15, has collected DNA samples from all 10 accused, including four juveniles.
Initially, DNA samples from six accused have been sent for testing.
The team has also seized objectionable items and recovered a burnt cigarette from the crime scene. Audio and video statements from the survivor and the accused have also been recorded. Forensic evidence will be prioritised for lab testing since it has been classified as a red flag case.
Also Read: Odisha Crime Branch Takes Over Gopalpur Gangrape Case Categorised As Red Flag
On Wednesday evening, the investigating agency’s officials also grilled the survivor’s male friend for over an hour at Gopalpur police station, covering various aspects of the incident to establish a clearer timeline and motive. The team then left to pursue other leads, according to sources.
The CAW wing is also planned to take the six adult accused on remand for questioning.
Also Read: Gangrape During Beach Outing In Odisha: Police To Request JJB To Try 4 Juveniles As Adults
The incident has triggered widespread public outrage across the state, with protests and demands for stringent action against the accused. The Opposition Congress also staged a demonstration in front of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s residence protesting against the rise in crime against women in the state.
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, in an X post, expressed her concern over the incident. “The strongest words are not enough to condemn the brutality that was meted out to a student by 10 men in Gopalpur, Odisha. Violence against women is increasing day by day in Odisha. In a State where the Chief Minister himself admits that about 44,000 women and children have disappeared in the last five years, not giving priority to women’s safety is in itself an atrocity against women,” she wrote.
Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi Slams Odisha Govt Over Gopalpur Gangrape, Says Violence Against Women Rising
The CM had earlier called it a “heinous crime against humanity” and vowed to ensure the harshest possible legal action against the perpetrators.
Also Read: Odisha CM Assures Exemplary Punishment For Gopalpur Gangrape Accused
Meanwhile, BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said that such incidents should not be “politicised”.
