Berhampur/Cuttack: The Odisha Crime Branch on Monday filed a 574-page chargesheet in the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court at Berhampur in connection with the horrific gang rape that occurred at Gopalpur Beach on June 14. The case, which had sent shockwaves across the state, was declared a “Red Flag” case and handed over to the Crime Branch for intensive investigation.
Crime Branch DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, speaking in Cuttack, stated that the agency’s focus was to ensure a meticulous investigation and swift justice in order to instill fear in perpetrators of such crimes and uphold the rule of law.
A total of 10 accused, including four minors, were arrested within 24 hours of the crime. Police teams launched a district-wide crackdown, apprehending six adults and four juveniles in a swift operation. The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognizance of the matter, demanding stringent action and timely justice for the victim.
According to the chargesheet, the 20-year-old college student was gang-raped by three individuals, while the rest of the group assisted in various ways. The prime accused, Pramod Nayak of Purushottampur, has two prior criminal cases. His accomplices were identified as Baburam Dalai and Kunal Pradhan.
On the night of the incident, around 8:30 PM, the victim and her male companion were seated in a secluded spot at Gopalpur Beach when the gang confronted them. They initially threatened to leak intimate photos, extorted ₹1,300 in cash, and forced the male companion to transfer more money online. The gang then held him hostage while three of them took turns raping the young woman, ignoring her cries for help.
The incident triggered public outrage, especially since it occurred at one of Odisha’s most frequented tourist destinations. Concerns have since been raised over poor policing, inadequate lighting, and lack of safety infrastructure at the beach. Citizens have demanded round-the-clock patrolling, installation of CCTV cameras, and creation of secure zones for tourists.
The NCW has directed Odisha’s Director General of Police to ensure swift legal action, provide free medical care and trauma counselling for the survivor, and conclude the trial within a stipulated time.
