couple was sitting in a secluded area when a group of 10 men allegedly approached them, overpowered her boyfriend and took turns sexually assaulting her
OdishaPlus Bureau
In a distressing event, a 20-year-old woman was reportedly gang-raped at the renowned Gopalpur beach in the Ganjam district of Odisha. On Tuesday, authorities detained ten individuals, including four minors, in relation to the incident.
As per police reports, the appalling act occurred on Sunday night when the woman, an undergraduate student at a private college, visited the beach with her boyfriend, who is also her classmate, to celebrate the Raja festival.
In her complaint, the victim stated that while she and her friend were seated in a secluded area of the beach, a group of ten individuals approached them, restrained her boyfriend, and took turns assaulting her.
“Initially, seven individuals were taken into custody for questioning. Subsequently, all ten suspects were arrested,” a police officer informed PTI.
The suspects were apprehended while attempting to escape to another state, the officer added. SP Saravana Vivek M remarked: “While three individuals assaulted the woman in succession, seven others were providing them with protection.”
“A specialized police team has been established to investigate the case. The police will petition the court to classify the minors as adults due to their involvement in this grave crime,” he stated.The woman’s medical examination has been completed. The victim resided in a private mess with three other women.
This horrific incident has caused widespread shock throughout the state, as tourists from distant locations frequent Gopalpur beach.
Meanwhile, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida stated that she has communicated with SP Saravana Vivek M and has mandated a comprehensive investigation along with necessary measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik described the incident as “deeply shocking”.
“The report of the gang rape at Gopalpur beach, a prominent tourist spot in Odisha, is profoundly disturbing and has left the community in shock. It is unequivocally condemned. The safety of women at tourist locations has come under scrutiny,” he remarked.
“The government must remain vigilant in curbing the rising violence against women on a daily basis. It is imperative that the government implements stringent measures to guarantee the safety and security of women throughout the state,” he further stated.
