Bhubaneswar: In response to widespread outrage over the reported gang rape of a college student in Cuttack, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan has promised stringent action against all forms of violence against women.
Speaking to reporters, Harichandan emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance, aiming to make Odisha “a crime-free state for women” by 2036.
He warned that there would be no delays in addressing cases of domestic violence, assault, and rape, and stated that Chief Minister Mohan Majhi is committed to delivering the strictest punishment for those responsible in this case.
The 19-year-old student was allegedly blackmailed by her boyfriend, who, along with his associates, reportedly assaulted her after capturing an inappropriate video.
Following her complaint on November 4, Badambadi police have arrested six individuals, including a minor and the victim’s boyfriend.
Authorities have recovered evidence from the suspects’ mobile devices, which are now under examination at the State Forensic Science Laboratory in Bhubaneswar.
