Shocking Gang-Rape Incident at Gopalpur Beach: Odisha Government Promises Justice

Tragic Incident Shakes Odisha
The gang-rape of a college student at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district has caused widespread outrage in Odisha, prompting the state government to pledge decisive action against the perpetrators.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the Women and Child Development department, expressed her deep sorrow over the incident. She has instructed the Superintendent of Police in Berhampur to implement measures to prevent such heinous acts in the future.
Parida stated, "I am profoundly saddened by the gang rape incident involving a young woman at Gopalpur beach. Ten individuals have been apprehended so far. I have communicated with the SP about this case and demanded a comprehensive investigation to ensure that such events do not recur."
Suresh Pujari, the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, assured that no one involved in the Gopalpur gang-rape case would escape justice, regardless of their social standing.
He emphasized, "The law will take its course, and we are dedicated to delivering justice. Rest assured, the culprits will face consequences, no matter how powerful they may be."
Pujari also mentioned recent incidents, including an assault on an additional Tahsildar, and confirmed that most suspects have been arrested, with one captured in Puri and another in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. He warned that fleeing the state would not shield them from the law.
The minister reiterated the government's commitment to combating crime and maintaining order within the state.
Local MLA and Odisha's Commerce & Transport, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena expressed his distress over the gang-rape incident occurring in his constituency. He stated, "This incident is deeply unfortunate and should never happen. I took immediate action, and the police responded swiftly. The accused have been arrested, and we will ensure strict measures are taken to serve as a deterrent."
On Tuesday, Odisha Police arrested ten individuals in connection with the case.
The incident transpired on Sunday night when the victim, an undergraduate student, visited the beach with her boyfriend to celebrate the Raja festival, according to police reports.
In her complaint filed at the Gopalpur police station, the woman alleged that while they were seated in a secluded area, a group of ten men approached them, restrained her boyfriend, and took turns assaulting her.
"Initially, seven suspects were detained for questioning, but ultimately all ten were arrested," a police officer stated.
The suspects were apprehended while attempting to escape to another state.