NHRC Demands Report from Odisha Government on Gang-Rape Incident?

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NHRC Demands Report from Odisha Government on Gang-Rape Incident?

Synopsis

In a shocking incident on June 15, a 20-year-old college student was gang-raped at Gopalpur beach in Odisha. The NHRC has stepped in, demanding a report from state authorities within two weeks. This disturbing event raises critical questions about safety and justice for women in India.

Key Takeaways

  • NHRC demands swift action in response to gang-rape.
  • Victim was attacked at Gopalpur beach while celebrating a festival.
  • Multiple suspects apprehended, including minors.
  • Authorities face pressure to ensure justice and safety.
  • Incident highlights ongoing issues of violence against women.

New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a comprehensive report from the Odisha government and the state police within a two-week timeframe regarding the gang-rape of a 20-year-old college student in the Ganjam district.

Acting on its own initiative after a media report brought the shocking gang-rape involving 10 men to light, the Commission noted that if the allegations are validated, they signify a grave infringement of human rights.

Concerning the incident that occurred at the well-known Gopalpur beach on June 15, the NHRC has sent notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Odisha, demanding a thorough investigation report within two weeks.

The forthcoming report is anticipated to address the status of the investigation, the victim’s health status, and any compensation or counseling that has been extended to her by state authorities, as per an official announcement.

As per reports, the victim was at the beach celebrating the Raja festival with a male companion when the assailants attacked. After subduing her friend, they sexually assaulted her.

The group of 10 youths from the Hinjili area of Ganjam district arrived at the beach around 8 p.m. Finding the couple isolated, they began to harass them.

Some members of the group restrained the man while others assaulted the woman. Alarmingly, a number of the attackers are minors.

The assailants, as they departed, threatened the couple with severe consequences should they report the gang-rape to the police.

Additionally, the accused extorted money from both the victim and her friend.

After the ordeal, the couple visited the Gopalpur police station to report the incident.

Following the incident, the victim was taken to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for a medical examination.

To date, police have detained seven individuals in connection with the case.

Previously, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida instructed the Berhampur Superintendent of Police to promptly and decisively address the situation.

Parida, who also oversees the Women and Child Development Department, expressed her sorrow over the incident, asserting on X, "I am profoundly distressed by the gang-rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach… I have discussed this matter with the SP and have mandated a thorough investigation to prevent such incidents in the future."

Point of View

The NHRC's intervention underscores the urgent need for accountability in cases of sexual violence. The safety of women must take precedence, and the government needs to ensure that justice is not only served but is also perceived to be served by the public.
NationPress
23/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What actions has the NHRC taken regarding the gang-rape incident?
The NHRC has requested a detailed report from the Odisha government and police within two weeks on the gang-rape of a 20-year-old college student.
What was the response from Odisha's Deputy Chief Minister?
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida has urged for swift and strict action against the perpetrators and directed a thorough investigation.
What happened to the victim after the incident?
The victim was taken to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for a medical examination following the incident.