Odisha Gangrape Case: CM Majhi Vows 'Exemplary Action' Against Accused, NCW Seeks Urgent Report

The Odisha CM has vowed that strict and exemplary punishment would be meted out to all those involved, and assured that no one would be spared, whether directly or indirectly connected to the assault.

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the gangrape incident at Gopalpur beach, and vowed strict action against those involved in the assault.

Source : PTI

A 20-year-old undergraduate student was allegedly gangraped at the famous Gopalpur beach in Odisha's Ganjam district. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and prompted urgent action from both state authorities and national bodies. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday srongly denounced the incident, calling it "highly deplorable and a crime against humanity."

The Odisha CM has vowed that strict and exemplary punishment would be meted out to all those involved, and assured that no one would be spared, whether directly or indirectly connected to the assault. Earlier today, police arrested ten people, including four minors, in connection with the gangrape.

"Exemplary action will be taken against the culprits in the Gopalpur gang rape incident. Such an incident is highly condemnable and is a crime against humanity. No culprit involved in this incident will be spared. The strictest punishment allowed by law will be meted out," Majhi said in a statement issued by the CMO.

"The Chief Minister has instructed the police to apprehend all suspects without delay and ensure that all those directly or indirectly involved in the crime are brought to justice," the CMO added.

The incident allegedly took place on Monday evening when the woman had gone to the beach with her boyfriend, who is her classmate, on the occasion of the Raja festival.

The survivor, in her complaint lodged at the Gopalpur police station, alleged that a group of 10 people approached them when they were sitting at an isolated place on the beach. They then rounded up her boyfriend and tied him up and took turns to rape her. 

NCW Takes Suo Motu Cognisance, Seeks Urgent Report

Meanwhile, the National Commission of Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and sought a report on the incident.

NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar asked the Odisha DGP YB Khurania to submit the report within three days and directed that the remaining accused be arrested immediately. She also directed a swift and time-bound investigation and provision of free medical and psychological support to the survivor. NCW has also asked the government to provide compensation to the victim under Section 396 of the BNSS.

The police have arrested the six adults and produced the four minor before the Juvenile Justice Board. They will also be sending pleas to the board, requesting the minors be treated as adults since they all are 17-years-old, ANI reported citing Berhampur SP Sravana Vivek M.

A case has been registered under Section 70(1) (gang rape), 296 (obscene acts and songs), 351(3) (criminal intimidation involving severe threats), 310(2) (a gang of persons associated for the purpose of habitually committing crime) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Odisha DGP has handed over the investigation to the CID and directed to treat it as a 'red flag case', PTI reported.