Bhubaneswar: The Crime Branch is currently investigating the Gopalpur gangrape case, and as part of the investigation, DNA tests will be conducted on the 10 accused who have been arrested. Samples were collected from the accused on Thursday for this purpose.
According to reports, apart from collecting samples for DNA tests of the gangrape accused, the investigating agency authorities conducted an extensive interrogation of the male friend who was accompanying the survivor at the time of the incident.
The questioning lasted over an hour, during which the officials sought to establish a clearer timeline and motive behind the incident. The male companion was thoroughly questioned from various angles before being permitted to leave the Gopalpur Police Station.
It is pertinent to mention that on Wednesday, Crime Branch officials, including the Inspector General (IG), visited the crime scene in Gopalpur to conduct a thorough inspection and review of evidence. This inspection was part of the ongoing investigation into the gangrape case.
Notably, a 20-year-old woman was allegedly gangraped by three of a 10-member gang on the beach in Gopalpur late Sunday evening. Concerned over the incident, Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania has designated the case as a ‘Red Flag’ incident and transferred the investigation to the CID Crime Branch. Earlier, the Gopalpur police station had arrested the 10 accused, including four minors, in connection with the crime.
