Priyanka Gandhi Criticizes Odisha Government Following Alleged Gang Rape Incident
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has sharply criticized the Odisha government following a disturbing incident where a 20-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by a group of ten men at Gopalpur beach. In her statements, she emphasized the alarming rise in violence against women in the state, citing the Chief Minister's acknowledgment of thousands of missing women and children. The incident, which occurred during a festival celebration, has raised serious concerns about women's safety in Odisha. Read on to learn more about this shocking event and its implications.
| Jun 18, 2025, 19:17 IST
Allegations of Violence Against Women in Odisha
On Wednesday, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned the Odisha government after a 20-year-old woman reportedly experienced gang rape. She asserted that violence against women in the state is escalating daily. According to police reports, approximately ten individuals allegedly assaulted the woman at a secluded area of the popular tourist destination, Gopalpur beach. The victim, a graduate student from a private college, filed a First Information Report (FIR) on Monday, leading to the registration of a case at the Gopalpur police station.
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi expressed that even strong words are insufficient to denounce the brutality faced by the student in Gopalpur. She remarked, "Violence against women in Odisha is increasing with each passing day. In a state where the Chief Minister himself acknowledges that nearly 44,000 women and children have gone missing in the last five years, failing to prioritize women's safety is, in itself, an atrocity against women."
The incident occurred on Sunday night when the woman, who resides in a private hostel with three other women, visited the beach with her classmate boyfriend to celebrate Raja festival. In her complaint, she stated that while they were seated in a deserted area, a group of ten individuals approached them, restrained her boyfriend, and took turns assaulting her.