The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognizance of the gang-rape of a 20-year-old college student at Gopalpur beach in Odisha, demanding immediate arrests, speedy investigation, free medical aid, and psychological support for the victim.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken immediate notice of a deeply troubling incident involving the gang rape of a 20-year-old student at Gopalpur beach in Odisha.
The Commission has expressed strong disapproval of the situation and is actively working to ensure that the victim receives justice and support.
In a formal statement, the NCW remarked,
“The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognizance of the shocking gang-rape of a 20-year-old student at Gopalpur beach, Odisha.”
Smt. Vijaya Rahatkar, the Chairperson of the NCW, has reached out to the Director General of Police (DGP) in Odisha, issuing clear directives. She has urged the state police to promptly apprehend all outstanding suspects.
Furthermore, she emphasized the need for a swift completion of the investigation within a specified timeframe. The victim should also receive free medical care and psychological support to aid her recovery from the traumatic experience.
The NCW reminded law enforcement about the legal requirement for victim compensation, stating,
“Compensation must be ensured under Section 396 of the BNSS Act.”
To facilitate prompt action, the NCW has requested the Odisha Police to provide a comprehensive report on the measures taken thus far.
The Commission added,
“An Action Taken Report has been demanded within 3 days,”
Additionally, the NCW has shared its helpline number, 7827170170, for anyone needing support and assistance in such cases.
This decisive action by the NCW highlights the critical need for prompt and sensitive handling of such serious crimes, ensuring that the victim’s rights and dignity are upheld at every stage.
Ten men have been arrested in connection with the alleged gang rape of a young woman near Gopalpur beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The incident reportedly occurred while the woman was visiting the beach with a male friend. According to police, all the suspects are from the Hinjilicut area. They allegedly gang-raped the woman on Sunday around 8:30 PM after noticing her and her friend sitting in a secluded location.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed her sorrow over the incident on her X handle, stating,
“I am deeply saddened by the incident of gang-rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach. So far 10 people have been arrested. 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 future.”
The accused reportedly restrained the male friend, assaulted him, and took photos of both individuals, threatening to make them public unless they paid a ransom. They then took the woman aside and raped her before fleeing the scene.
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The police reported that the suspects dragged the woman’s friend away and tied him up while others took turns assaulting her. The rape survivor is a college student from a nearby district, currently residing at a private mess in Berhampur. She had gone to the beach with her classmate, who is also her friend.
Gopalpur beach is a popular tourist destination in Ganjam district, attracting visitors from various locations.
A medical examination of the victim has been completed, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the details surrounding the crime.
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