The Brutality of Gang Rape: A Crime Against Humanity.
Gang rape is one of the most brutal and dehumanizing forms of sexual violence, involving multiple perpetrators violating a single victim. It leaves deep physical, emotional, and psychological scars that can last a lifetime. Beyond the physical trauma, survivors of gang rape often face stigma, isolation, and a lack of support making justice and recovery even harder. Society must break the silence and support survivors, not shame them. Gang rape is not just a crime against an individual , it's a direct attack on human dignity, safety, and societal values. Strong laws, swift justice, and collective awareness are crucial to ending this violence.
/*Gang Rape of a College Student at Gopalpur Beach, Ganjam District. */
A 20 year old college student and her male friend visited Gopalpur Beach on Sunday evening, June 15, 2025. Around 8 and 9 PM, ten men confronted the couple; they tied up the boyfriend and gang raped the woman in turns. The assailants also extorted money from the boyfriend and threatened them with photos to prevent them from reporting the crime. SP Saravana Vivek M said, “While three people raped the woman in turns, seven others were providing them protection.” The victim then lodged an FIR late Sunday night at 11 PM and was provided medical and psychological assistance .
/*Arrests & Charges*/
10 suspects have been arrested, including six adults and four juveniles (all 17). Police plan to treat juveniles as adults under the Juvenile Justice Act due to the crime's severity. .Among adult suspects, Pramod Nayak (23) has a prior criminal history (including attempted murder and bomb-making).
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the act as a “crime against humanity” and promised strict action.
DGP Y.B. Khurania ordered the Crime Branch’s Crime Against Women and Children Wing to take charge of the probe, declaring it a “Red Flag” case. The NCW (National Commission for Women) has demanded a report within three days, calling for swift arrests, compensation, and support for the victim.
This incident has drawn attention to the staffing and infrastructure issues at tourist police stations; steps are being taken to strengthen them .
/*Suspected Rape and Murder of a Teen in Keonjhar District. */
On Tuesday morning (June 17, 2025), an 18-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree near her home in Tentlapashi village, Keonjhar
Blood stained clothes and other evidence were discovered, suggesting possible sexual assault and murder staged as suicide. The victim’s family suspects a local youth (possibly her boyfriend) and authorities have filed a murder case, awaiting forensic and post-mortem results. Two suspects have been detained; police are investigating mobile phone records and other forensic leads .
/*Context & Connecting Concerns*/
These incidents highlight a disturbing surge in violent crimes against women, striking especially at tourist areas and rural districts of Odisha. Political parties, including BJD and Congress, have criticized the state government, saying law and order has deteriorated. The BJP has responded that police acted swiftly and all accused in the Gopalpur case have now been arrested.