Bhubaneswar, 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. In a scathing post on X, she called the incident a brutal failure of governance and accused the state of not prioritising women’s safety.
“The strongest words are not enough to denounce the horrific brutality inflicted upon a student by ten men in Gopalpur,” Vadra wrote. “Violence against women is increasing day by day in Odisha. In a state where the Chief Minister himself admits that nearly 44,000 women and children have gone missing over the past five years, the lack of prioritisation of women's safety is in itself a grave atrocity,” she added.
The disturbing incident, which took place at the popular tourist spot on Monday evening, has sparked outrage across the state. According to Berhampur Superintendent of Police Sravana Vivek M, ten youths—six adults and four minors—overpowered the victim and her male friend. Three of the accused allegedly raped the woman while the others restrained her friend. The case was registered late Monday night, and all ten accused have since been taken into custody. Authorities have produced the minors, all aged 17, before the Juvenile Justice Board and are seeking permission to try them as adults.
Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik also expressed shock, calling the incident a “complete breakdown of law and order.” In a post on X, Patnaik urged the BJP-led government to act swiftly. “The gangrape at Gopalpur beach is deeply disturbing. The safety of women in tourist destinations is now under question. The government must take immediate and strict measures to stop the increasing atrocities against women,” he said.
Meanwhile, political tensions flared in Bhubaneswar, where Congress workers clashed with police during a protest demanding Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s resignation over the incident. Several party leaders and supporters were detained while marching toward the CM’s residence.
Responding to the growing outrage, CM Majhi issued a strong statement condemning the attack. Calling it a “crime against humanity,” he promised strict and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. “No one involved will be spared. The strictest legal action will be taken,” the Chief Minister’s Office stated.
