New Delhi [India], June 18, 2025 — A horrific crime has shaken the conscience of the nation. The alleged gangrape of a 20-year-old college student at the Gopalpur beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district has led to widespread outrage. Prominent political leaders, including Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, have condemned the incident in the strongest terms, demanding strict and immediate action against the perpetrators.
What Happened at Gopalpur Beach?
The horrific incident reportedly took place on Monday evening when the victim, a college student from Berhampur, was at Gopalpur beach with her male friend. Around 8 PM, ten local youths, including six adults and four minors, allegedly attacked them.
While three of the accused allegedly committed the rape, others overpowered her male friend to prevent any resistance.
The victims managed to report the crime to the police at around 10 PM. The swift police action led to the arrest of all 10 accused within 24 hours, as confirmed by Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP) Sravana Vivek M.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Strong Reaction
Reacting strongly to the Gopalpur gangrape incident, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her anger and grief via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“The strongest words are enough to condemn the brutality that was meted out to a student by ten men in Gopalpur, Odisha. Violence against women is increasing day by day in Odisha. In a state where the Chief Minister himself admits that about 44,000 women and children have disappeared in the last five years, not giving priority to women’s safety is in itself an atrocity against women,” she said.
Her statement also took a direct dig at Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, questioning the state government’s priorities and failure to provide basic security to women.
Naveen Patnaik Slams Odisha Government Over Law and Order
Former Odisha CM and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik also voiced his strong condemnation. Calling the incident a “complete breakdown of law and order” in Odisha, he urged the BJP-led government to be more vigilant and take immediate action to prevent such “increasing atrocities against women.”
“The safety of women in tourist destinations has been questioned. The government should take strict steps to ensure the safety and security of women in the state,” Patnaik stated.
Congress Protest and Police Clash in Bhubaneswar
The incident led to political tensions spilling onto the streets. On Wednesday, Congress leaders and workers held a protest march in Bhubaneswar, demanding the resignation of CM Mohan Charan Majhi over the law and order failure.
As protesters attempted to march towards the Chief Minister’s residence, they were stopped by the police, leading to scuffles. Several Congress leaders were detained during the agitation.
Action Taken by Police
Odisha police acted swiftly in the aftermath of the incident. All six adult accused have been arrested and are in judicial custody, while the four minors have been presented before the Juvenile Justice Board.
Given the severity of the crime and the age of the minors (all 17 years old), the police have submitted requests to the board for them to be tried as adults under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
CM Mohan Charan Majhi’s Statement
Condemning the gangrape, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi described the incident as “a crime against humanity”.
“No perpetrator involved in this heinous act will be spared. The strictest punishment under the law will be ensured,” his office said in an official statement.
Growing Concerns Over Women’s Safety in Odisha
The Gopalpur gangrape case has once again brought to light the growing concerns over women’s safety in Odisha. Opposition leaders are repeatedly highlighting alarming statistics, including the disappearance of over 44,000 women and children in the past five years, raising questions about the BJP government’s commitment to law and order.
The incident occurring at a tourist spot like Gopalpur beach has further fueled fears regarding the safety of women in public spaces across the state.
Globe Civil Projects IPO Opens Soon: Check GMP, Subscription Details, and Major Risks
[…] Violence Against Women Rising in Odisha: Priyanka Gandhi Slams Government Over Gopalpur Gangrape […]
3nmjnq