Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Monday sought a report from the Odisha government and state police within two weeks regarding the gang-rape of a 20-year-old college student in Ganjam district.
Taking suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the horrific gang-rape allegedly committed by 10 men, the Commission observed that the contents of the report, if true, raise a grave issue concerning the violation of human rights.
Referring to the incident that occurred at the popular Gopalpur sea beach on June 15, the NHRC issued notices to Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.
The report is expected to include the current status of the investigation, the victim’s medical condition, and details of any compensation or counselling provided by the state authorities, according to an official statement.
As per media reports, the victim had gone to the beach with a male friend to celebrate the Raja festival. The perpetrators allegedly overpowered her friend and then sexually assaulted her.
Reports indicate that the 10 accused, all from the Hinjili area of Ganjam district, arrived at the beach around 8 pm. Finding the couple alone in a secluded area, they began misbehaving with them.
A few of the accused reportedly held the man captive while the others raped the woman. Alarmingly, some of the perpetrators are said to be minors.
Before fleeing the scene, the accused allegedly threatened the duo with dire consequences if they reported the incident to the police. They also reportedly extorted money from the victim and her friend.
Subsequently, the victim and her friend reached the Gopalpur police station and narrated their ordeal. According to a media report published on June 16, the survivor was sent to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for medical examination.
So far, police have detained seven suspects in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has directed the Berhampur Superintendent of Police to take swift and stringent action against those involved.
Parida, who also heads the Women and Child Development Department, posted on X, “I am deeply saddened by the incident of gang-rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach… I have spoken to the SP regarding this incident and have ordered a thorough investigation and necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.”
