The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the gang-rape of a 20-year-old college student at Gopalpur beach in Odisha.
In a letter addressed to the Odisha Director General of Police, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar called for the immediate arrest of all remaining accused, a time-bound investigation, and the provision of free medical and psychological support to the survivor. She further directed authorities to ensure that compensation is extended under Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and sought an action-taken report within three days.
The Odisha Police have so far arrested 10 persons, including four juveniles, in connection with the incident, which occurred on Sunday evening.
According to the police, the survivor and her male friend were seated in an isolated area behind the Panthnivas hotel around 8 p.m., when they were approached by a group of ten youths. The group allegedly overpowered the male friend and dragged the woman approximately 50 feet away. While five of the accused kept watch over the male friend, the remaining five allegedly overpowered the woman. Police said three of them raped her while the others stood guard.
