New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports regarding the gangrape of a college student at Gopalpur beach in Odisha and has issued notices to Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania.

The NHRC has sought a detailed report from the State Government within two weeks. The Commission has directed the report include the status of the investigation, details on the victim’s health, and any compensation or counselling provided by the authorities.

Earlier, on June 17, the National Commission for Women (NCW) took a suo motu cognisance of the incident involving the 20-year-old student in Ganjam district. The NCW asked the State Government to submit an action taken report within three days.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar also wrote to DGP Khurania, urging immediate arrest of all remaining accused. The police have since arrested six individuals and detained four juveniles in connection with the crime.

The NCW further called for a swift, time-bound investigation and asked the State Government to ensure free medical and psychological support for the survivor. It also directed authorities to provide compensation under Section 396 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) Act.

The Incident

On June 15, the survivor, a Plus III student from a Berhampur college, visited Gopalpur beach with her male friend. Around 6:30 PM, they reached an isolated area near the Panthanivas hotel, where a group of youngsters was seen nearby.

At around 8 PM, the group—reportedly comprising 10 individuals—approached the couple. They allegedly overpowered the male companion and dragged the woman about 50 feet away. While five of the assailants restrained the man, the remaining five reportedly assaulted the woman. Three among them allegedly raped her, while the others stood guard.

The accused later fled the scene around 10 PM, warning the victims against approaching the police. The survivor and her friend reported the incident at the Gopalpur police station around 11 PM.

Police Response

Following the complaint, Gopalpur police formed a special team and initially detained seven suspects. Subsequently, three additional teams were deployed to track and apprehend the remaining accused.

A case has been registered under Sections 70(1), 296, 351(3), and 310(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The survivor underwent a medical examination at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.

Those arrested have been identified as Pramod Nayak, Baburam Dalai, Kunal Pradhan, Om Pradhan, Lakman Pradhan, and Deepak Tarai. The four detained juveniles are reportedly residents of the Hinjili area.