10 Arrested in Gopalpur Beach Gangrape Case

Berhampur: A day after a shocking gangrape incident at Gopalpur beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district, police have arrested ten youths in connection with the crime. The arrests were made within hours of the incident sparking widespread public outrage over growing crimes against women in the state.

According to police, all the accused are residents of the Hinjili area in Ganjam district. They were apprehended following a formal complaint lodged by the survivor.

The incident occurred on Monday evening around 8:30 PM, when a woman and her male friend visited Gopalpur beach to celebrate the Raja festival. While sitting at a secluded spot, the couple was approached by a group of around ten youths. The gang allegedly clicked photos of the duo and extorted ₹1,000 in cash, threatening to make the images viral. They further demanded more money through digital payment.

When the couple pleaded with the group to spare them, the miscreants reportedly tied up the man’s hands and physically assaulted him. Three members of the gang then allegedly took turns raping the woman in front of her friend.

Following the survivor’s complaint, Gopalpur police registered a case and launched an intensive investigation. Sources revealed that three of the accused attempted to flee to another state but were caught by the police. Initially, seven suspects were detained for questioning, which eventually led to the arrest of all ten.

Authorities have confirmed that the medical examination of the survivor has been completed, and further investigation is currently underway.