Odisha Horror: All Suspects Arrested After Brutal Gang Rape
College student gang?raped by 10 men—including 4 minors—on June?15 at Odisha’s Gopalpur Beach; boyfriend tied up, money extorted.
ISH News has long held up a mirror to painful and brutal crimes against women in public spaces, in homes and at workplaces. Unfortunately, such incidents are rising in India. Today, we bring you another heart-wrenching case, this time from Odisha where a joyous festival evening turned into a survivor’s worst nightmare.
On 15 June 2025, during the Raja festival at Gopalpur Beach in Ganjam district, a 20?year?old college student and her male classmate visited the shore around 6:30?p.m. by themselves. The festive atmosphere turned sinister between 8 and 9?p.m. when ten men on motorcycles, all from nearby Hinjilicut, encircled the couple. The attackers extorted money, threatening to release compromising photos if the students spoke to police. They tied up the male student while three men dragged the woman away, some reports say she was taken into a nearby shed. The horrific assault that followed involved multiple rapes while seven men stood as guards. After demanding both cash and UPI payments, the attackers fled around 10?p.m.
The traumatized pair reached Gopalpur police station at 11?p.m., triggering a swift response. The First Information Report (FIR) lists charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including gang-rape, intimidation, obscene acts, and dacoity (armed robbery).
By 18 June 2025, police had arrested ten suspects, six adults (ages 19–24) and four minors (all 17). The adults appeared in court, while the juveniles were taken to the Juvenile Justice Board. Authorities intend to try the minors as adults, citing the severity of the crime.
The prime accused, 23?year?old Pramod Nayak, already faced charges for attempted murder and bomb-making. He lived in Bengaluru for work but returned home for the festival. The five other adult suspects are: Baburam Dalai (19), Laxmana Pradhan (24), Kunal Pradhan (24), Deepak Tarai (19) and Om Pradhan (19).
The young survivor has undergone medical, forensic, and psychological care. Though physically safe, she remains deeply traumatized. Both the Odisha State Women’s Commission and the National Commission for Women (NCW) demanded free treatment, counseling, and compensation under Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Her identity remains protected and the NCW has asked for a detailed action report from the state within three days. The Crime Against Women & Children Wing (CID) of Odisha Police is leading the investigation, with a special team already visiting the site. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the act as a “crime against humanity,” and Deputy CM Pravati Parida ordered a full investigation and preventive measures.
In response, the state government approved a ?30 crore redevelopment plan for Gopalpur Beach - enhanced lighting, a yoga center, beautification and ATV patrols to improve safety. District police also increased foot patrols and urged tourists to avoid isolated areas after dark, while locals called for reinstated CCTV coverage.
Public anger is growing. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi, criticized the Odisha government for lapses in women’s safety, and protests erupted near the Chief Minister’s residence before being dispersed. Even BJD leaders joined calls for stronger measures. Across the state, people are demanding swift justice and better protection for women.
The Raja festival is one of Odisha’s most cherished celebrations which honors womanhood, the earth and the start of the farming season. Traditionally, women rest, wear new clothes, adorn their feet with alta, and enjoy joyful festivities. Tragically, this celebration of womanhood was shattered when a young woman became a victim of horrific violence on a day meant to uplift her.
