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Samaya Jyothi Exclusive: Odisha Shaken After Brutal Gangrape of 20-Year-Old at Gopalpur Beach
Samaya Jyothi | Gopalpur, Odisha
In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across Odisha, a 20-year-old college student was brutally gangraped by three youths at Gopalpur Beach in the Ganjam district, while her male friend was held captive by seven other associates of the accused. The incident occurred on Sunday evening and has sparked widespread outrage and demands for swift justice.
According to Brahmapur Superintendent of Police Sarvana Vivek M, the victim and her male classmate had gone to the popular tourist spot around sunset to spend some peaceful time together. At around 8:30 PM, the duo was ambushed by a group of 10 youths. The male friend was restrained and beaten by seven of them, while the remaining three forcibly took the woman to an isolated spot near the beach.
The survivor was subjected to a horrific sexual assault that lasted for nearly two hours. After the accused released the couple at around 10:00 PM, the victims immediately made their way to the nearest police station and filed a complaint by 11:00 PM. The local police swung into action, launching a massive search operation. Within hours, seven suspects were apprehended, and the remaining three were arrested later the same night.
The ten accused include six adults and four juveniles, all reportedly residents of nearby areas. The four minors, all aged around 17, were presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. The adults have been remanded to judicial custody pending further investigation.
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SP Sarvana Vivek stated during a press briefing, “We are pursuing this case with utmost seriousness. Our team acted swiftly and managed to arrest all the suspects within hours. Out of the ten accused, four are juveniles. However, given the gravity of the crime, we are exploring legal provisions to ensure that the juveniles are tried as adults. We are committed to securing the harshest possible punishment for the perpetrators.”
The authorities have filed charges under Sections 376D (gangrape), 341 (wrongful restraint), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, as some of the accused are underage.
The incident has ignited widespread protests across the state. Several women’s rights organizations have staged demonstrations in Brahmapur, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack, demanding fast-track trial and capital punishment for the rapists. Gopalpur Beach, usually a symbol of serenity and natural beauty, has now become a scene of trauma and horror for the locals.
Social media platforms are abuzz with hashtags such as #JusticeForOdishaGirl, #GopalpurGangrape, and #SamayaJyothiReports, with netizens expressing anger, sympathy, and a united demand for justice.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has also taken cognizance of the matter and directed the DGP to ensure a speedy investigation. “This crime is not just against an individual but against humanity. The culprits must face the full force of the law,” the Chief Minister stated.
Meanwhile, the victim is currently undergoing counseling and medical care at a government hospital. Doctors have confirmed she is in stable condition but deeply traumatized. The male friend, too, is reportedly shaken by the ordeal.
Psychologists and women’s rights advocates have emphasized the need for long-term psychological support for both victims, stressing that trauma from such brutal incidents often lasts a lifetime.
As the investigation unfolds, the Samaya Jyothi team continues to follow the story closely, committed to shedding light on this grave injustice and the efforts being made to bring the perpetrators to book.
This chilling incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability women still face in public spaces. It has once again brought to the fore the urgent need for improved security, stricter laws, and a cultural shift in how society views women and personal freedom.
Odisha, and indeed the entire nation, watches with bated breath — hoping that this time, justice won’t be delayed.
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