Gopalpur Gangrape Case: Minors Undergo Medical Tests Amid Controversy

Medical Tests for Minors in Gopalpur Case

Berhampur: Four minors, part of the ten individuals detained in connection with the gangrape of a college student at Gopalpur beach in Odisha, underwent medical examinations on Thursday to determine their precise ages, according to police reports.

The ossification test was requested by the police, who asked the Juvenile Justice Board to classify the four minors—who assert they are 17 years old—as adults for the trial process.

The examination took place at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) at MHCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

"We have performed the ossification test, which utilizes X-rays to evaluate a person's age," stated Prof Sudeepa Das, head of the FMT department.

Additionally, blood samples were collected from all ten accused and the 20-year-old victim for DNA analysis.

"Given the severe and atrocious nature of the crime, the police requested the JJB to prosecute the four minors as adults under the Juvenile Justice Act of 2015," remarked Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M following the arrests on Tuesday.

While the six other suspects were remanded to jail after their bail applications were denied by the judicial magistrate, the four minors were sent to correctional facilities as mandated by law.

"The woman underwent medical and FMT tests on June 16, shortly after the incident, and all necessary samples were collected," Das noted.

The gangrape incident on June 15 has ignited widespread outrage across the nation and is currently under investigation by the CID.

Authorities previously indicated that the ten arrested individuals ranged in age from 17 to 24, with the main suspect being a B.Tech dropout with a criminal history.