Bhubaneswar: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed shock and sorrow over the gang-rape of a college student at Gopalpur sea beach, stating that the state government is committed to taking strict action against the culprits involved in this heinous crime.
Parida, who also oversees the Women and Child Development Department, directed the Berhampur Superintendent of Police to conduct a thorough investigation and implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
“I am deeply saddened by the gang-rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach. Ten persons have been arrested so far. I have spoken to the SP regarding this incident and ordered a thorough investigation to ensure such incidents do not recur,” Parida wrote on her X handle.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assured that no accused in the case will be spared, regardless of their influence or status.
“The law will take its course, and the culprits will not go scot-free, no matter how influential they are,” Pujari said.
Citing recent developments, he added, “In a separate incident, an additional Tahsildar was assaulted. Most of the accused have been arrested, including one from Puri and another from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Even if they flee Odisha, they cannot escape the law.” He emphasized the government’s efforts to curb crime and maintain law and order in the state.
Odisha Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister and local MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Jena expressed deep anguish over the incident in his constituency.
“The gang-rape at Gopalpur is extremely unfortunate and distressing. Such incidents should never occur. I took the matter seriously, and the police acted promptly. The accused have been arrested, and we will ensure strict action to set an example and send a strong message,” Jena said.
The Odisha Police have arrested six persons and detained four minors for allegedly gang-raping a college student after tying up her boyfriend at Gopalpur sea beach in Ganjam district. The incident occurred on the evening of June 15, 2025, and came to light on Monday after the victim lodged an FIR at Gopalpur Police Station.
According to reports, the victim, an undergraduate at a local college, was at the beach with her boyfriend on Sunday evening. Around 8 pm, ten youths from the Hinjilcut area of Ganjam district arrived. Finding the couple alone in an isolated spot, the group misbehaved with them, allegedly blackmailed them by capturing intimate photos, and tied up the boyfriend. Three of the accused then forcibly took the victim to a nearby spot and sexually assaulted her.
