On the evening of June 15, 2025, a horrific crime unfolded at Gopalpur Beach, a renowned tourist destination in Odisha’s Ganjam district, shaking the state and sparking nationwide outrage. A 20-year-old college student was allegedly gang-raped by a group of ten men while her male friend, a classmate, was tied up and forced to witness the assault. The incident, occurring during the Raja festival, has raised serious questions about women’s safety at tourist spots and the state’s law enforcement mechanisms. This article delves into the details of the crime, the response from authorities, and the broader implications for Odisha’s society and governance.
The Incident
The victim, an undergraduate student at a private college in Berhampur, had visited Gopalpur Beach with her male friend to celebrate the Raja festival, a vibrant cultural event in Odisha. Around 8:30 PM, as the two sat in a secluded area of the beach, a group of ten men, reportedly arriving on three motorcycles, approached them. According to the survivor’s complaint filed at Gopalpur police station, the assailants began harassing the couple, taking photographs and threatening to leak them online. The situation escalated quickly as the group allegedly attacked the male friend, tying his hands and dragging him away. Three of the men then took turns raping the woman, while the others kept watch over her friend, ensuring he could not intervene. Some reports suggest the assault took place in an abandoned house nearby, adding to the premeditated nature of the crime.
The survivor and her friend managed to reach the Gopalpur police station after 10 PM to report the incident. The police acted swiftly, registering a case under Section 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to gang rape. By Tuesday, June 17, all ten accused—six adults and four 17-year-old minors—were apprehended. The adults, identified as Pramod Nayak (23), Baburam Dalai (19), Kunal Pradhan (24), Om Pradhan (19), Lakman Pradhan (24), and Deepak Tarai (19), were arrested, while the minors were presented before the Juvenile Justice Board. Authorities are seeking to try the minors as adults due to the severity of the crime.
Official and Political Response
The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Odisha’s leadership and opposition alike. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi called the act “highly deplorable and a crime against humanity,” assuring that “strict and exemplary action” would be taken. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who oversees the Women and Child Development portfolio, spoke with Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M, ordering a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences. The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognizance, with Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar demanding the arrest of all culprits, a time-bound investigation, and medical and psychological support for the survivor.
Opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Congress MLA Sofia Firdous, labeled the incident a reflection of a “complete breakdown” in law and order. Patnaik, in a post on X, condemned the crime and questioned the safety of women at tourist destinations, urging the government to take stringent measures. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) submitted a memorandum to the Berhampur SP, highlighting the recurring nature of such crimes in Gopalpur. Congress workers staged protests in Bhubaneswar, clashing with police and demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Majhi, with Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticizing the BJP government’s failure to curb violence against women.
Broader Implications
The Gopalpur incident is not isolated, coming on the heels of another alleged gang rape in Puri, raising alarm about the safety of women in Odisha’s coastal tourist hubs. The lack of proper illumination and inadequate police patrolling at Gopalpur Beach have been cited as contributing factors, with local hotel associations calling for enhanced security measures. The survivor, who resides in a private mess in Berhampur, has undergone a medical examination and is receiving psychological support, but the trauma of such a public and brutal assault will likely have lasting effects.
This crime has reignited debates about gender-based violence and the efficacy of law enforcement in Odisha. The opposition’s claim of “jungle raj” under the BJP government reflects growing public frustration, as evidenced by posts on X describing the incident as a failure of governance. The state’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination is also at stake, with Gopalpur’s image tarnished by this heinous act.
Moving Forward
The arrests and ongoing investigation are steps toward justice, but they do not address the systemic issues of women’s safety and public security. The Odisha government must prioritize improving infrastructure, such as better lighting and CCTV at tourist spots, and increasing police presence. Public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of laws against gender-based violence are also critical. As the survivor begins her journey of recovery, supported by counseling, the state must ensure that this case sets a precedent for swift and severe punishment to deter future crimes.
The Gopalpur Beach gang rape is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities women face, even in seemingly safe public spaces. It demands not just outrage but actionable change to restore trust in Odisha’s commitment to safety and justice.
