A college student was gang-raped by 10 men at Odisha’s Gopalpur Beach while her male friend was tied up and assaulted. All accused have been arrested. Investigation underway.
Ganjam, Odisha — June 18, 2025 In a horrifying incident that has shocked the entire state of Odisha, a college student was allegedly gang-raped by 10 men at the popular Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district on Sunday evening. The woman’s male friend, who accompanied her, was brutally assaulted and tied up while the accused took turns raping the victim.
Crime Scene: A Secluded Spot Turns Into a Nightmare
According to police officials, the incident occurred around 8:30 PM on June 15 when the victim, a student residing in a private hostel in Berhampur, went to the beach with her male classmate. As the two sat in a secluded area of the beach, the group of accused men—who all hail from the Hinjilicut area—spotted them and launched their vicious assault.
“The attackers dragged the boy away, tied him up, and beat him. They then took the woman aside and raped her one after the other,” a senior police officer confirmed.
Blackmail After Assault: A Sinister Twist
The horror did not end with the physical assault. The accused allegedly clicked photos of the couple, and used the images to blackmail them, demanding money in exchange for silence. They threatened to make the photos viral if their demands were not met.
“They didn’t just violate her body—they tried to destroy her life through intimidation and public shaming,” the officer added.
Swift Police Action: All 10 Accused Arrested
Odisha police acted swiftly upon receiving the complaint. All 10 accused have been arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including gang rape, assault, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed anguish over the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):
“I am deeply saddened by the gang-rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach. I have spoken to the SP. A thorough investigation has been ordered, and necessary steps will be taken to prevent such crimes.”
Victim’s Background and Ongoing Investigation
The survivor is a college student from a nearby district, and was staying in Berhampur for her education. She is currently receiving medical and psychological support, and a full medical examination has been conducted.
The police are now working to reconstruct the sequence of events with the help of the victim and her friend. Authorities are also scanning CCTV footage and local surveillance to check if any other individuals were involved or complicit.
Tourist Hotspot Marred by Violence
Gopalpur beach is one of Odisha’s most popular tourist destinations, often visited by people from across India. The incident has raised serious concerns over safety and law enforcement in the area.
“This is not just a crime against one woman, but against every visitor who steps onto our beaches expecting safety,” a local hotel owner said.
Following the incident, police patrolling in the area has been significantly increased, and officials have assured the public of strict surveillance and preventive actions.
Public Outrage and Demands for Justice
The case has sparked widespread outrage across Odisha and beyond. Social media platforms are flooded with demands for fast-track justice, stringent punishment, and better security for women in public places.
“This is beyond barbaric. These monsters must not be allowed to see the light of day again,” wrote a social activist from Bhubaneswar.
Several NGOs and student bodies have announced protests and candle marches across Berhampur and Bhubaneswar in solidarity with the victim.
This brutal gang-rape incident has once again exposed the grim reality of gender-based violence in India, even in places presumed to be safe like tourist beaches. While the prompt action of Odisha Police is commendable, it underscores the urgent need for improved public safety measures, gender sensitization, and stricter legal implementation to deter such heinous acts.
The survivor, now at the center of a media storm, deserves not just justice—but respect, support, and privacy as she recovers from one of the most traumatic events imaginable.