NHRC Seeks Report on Gopalpur Gang-Rape; 7 Detained

Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the shocking gang-rape of a 20-year-old college student in Odisha’s Ganjam district and issued notices to top state officials, seeking a detailed report within two weeks.

In an official statement on Monday, the NHRC said it has sought responses from Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania over the incident, which occurred on June 15 at Gopalpur sea beach, a popular tourist destination. The Commission noted that the allegations, if true, point to a serious violation of human rights and require urgent intervention.

The report to be submitted by the state is expected to include the current status of the police investigation, the medical condition of the survivor, and details of any support provided, including compensation or counselling.

According to media reports, the young woman had gone to the beach with a male friend to celebrate the Raja festival. Around 8 PM, a group of 10 men — allegedly from the Hinjili area — spotted the couple alone in a secluded area and began harassing them. A few of the assailants allegedly restrained the man while others raped the woman. Some of the accused are suspected to be minors.

The survivors were reportedly threatened and extorted by the perpetrators before the group fled. The victim and her friend later approached the Gopalpur police and lodged a complaint. The woman was subsequently taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for a medical examination.

As of now, police have detained seven suspects in connection with the case. Further investigations are underway to trace the remaining accused.

Reacting to the incident, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also heads the Women and Child Development Department, expressed deep anguish and instructed the Berhampur Superintendent of Police to ensure swift and strict action against the culprits.

“I am deeply saddened by the incident of gang-rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach,” Parida posted on social media platform X. “I have spoken to the SP regarding this incident and have ordered a thorough investigation and necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.”

The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the state, with demands for stronger protection for women and improved policing at public spaces.