All 10 Accused Arrested in Gopalpur Beach Gang Rape Case; Outrage Grows Across Odisha

Bhubaneswar : In a swift development, the Gopalpur police have arrested all ten individuals accused in the brutal gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur beach, an incident that has triggered widespread condemnation and sparked fresh concerns over women’s safety in Odisha.

Berhampur Superintendent of Police Saravana Vivek M. confirmed the arrests, stating that seven of the accused were nabbed on Monday, while the remaining three were apprehended during raids on Tuesday as they attempted to flee the state.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, when the victim, accompanied by her boyfriend, was visiting Gopalpur beach to celebrate the Raja festival. According to the FIR filed by the victim, a group of ten men approached the couple, took their photographs, and threatened to make them viral on social media. When her boyfriend protested, the group reportedly assaulted him, tied him up, and dragged the girl to a secluded spot, where she was allegedly gang raped.

Following the complaint, police launched an intensive manhunt. The arrested individuals are all from the Hinjilicut area in Ganjam district. A special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to expedite the probe, and officers have visited the crime scene to collect further evidence.

Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek said, “All ten accused have been arrested. We are taking every step necessary to ensure justice is delivered quickly.”

The incident has sparked outrage across Odisha. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed officials to carry out a thorough investigation. In a post on X, she said, “I’m deeply saddened by the gang rape of a young woman at Gopalpur beach. I’ve spoken to the SP and instructed him to take strong action and ensure such incidents do not recur.”

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik also condemned the crime, calling it “shocking and deeply disturbing.” He added, “This horrific incident has shaken everyone. It highlights the urgent need for stronger safety measures, especially in tourist areas.”

As the investigation progresses, public calls for justice continue to grow louder, with civil society groups and women’s rights activists urging the government to ensure stringent punishment for the culprits and improve security measures across the state.