New Delhi [India], June 18: Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has strongly condemned the alleged gangrape of a 20-year-old college student at Gopalpur beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district, calling the state’s failure to prioritize women’s safety a grave injustice.
In a sharply-worded post on X, Vadra criticized the worsening state of women’s security in Odisha. “The strongest words are not enough to condemn the brutality inflicted on the student by ten men in Gopalpur. Violence against women is increasing daily in Odisha. When the Chief Minister himself admits that around 44,000 women and children have gone missing in the past five years, failing to prioritize their safety is itself an atrocity,” she wrote.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also expressing shock. He condemned the crime and urged the BJP-led state government to act decisively. “The government should ensure that such crimes are never repeated and take strong steps to guarantee the safety of women,” Patnaik said on X.
Congress workers staged a protest in Bhubaneswar, demanding Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s resignation. A scuffle broke out as police intervened, detaining several Congress leaders and workers who were marching towards the CM’s residence.
Odisha police have arrested all 10 accused—six adults and four minors—in connection with the assault. According to Berhampur Superintendent of Police Sravana Vivek M, the student was attacked around 8 PM on Monday while at the beach with her male friend. Three men allegedly raped the woman, while others restrained her companion.
The complaint was filed later that night, and police quickly launched an investigation. The six adults have been arrested, while the minors have been presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. Police are seeking permission to try the minors as adults, citing that they are all 17 years old.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the crime, calling it “highly deplorable and a crime against humanity.” In a statement, the Chief Minister’s Office assured that the strictest legal action would be taken against those responsible.