National News: A 20-year-old woman became the victim of a gang rape in Odisha's Ganjam district on Sunday evening, shattering the festive spirit of Raja Parba. She had gone to Gopalpur beach with a male friend to enjoy the coastal breeze. But what was meant to be a joyful outing turned into a night of unspeakable horror.
The attackers, reportedly a group of ten men on three bikes, first targeted the woman’s companion. He was assaulted, overpowered, and tied up. The gang then forcefully dragged the woman to a nearby deserted house. With chilling coordination, they took turns to rape her, showing no mercy or fear.
Assaulted, Tied, and Left Helpless
According to police sources, the woman’s friend was brutally thrashed and left immobilized while the attackers abducted the young woman. The deserted house, just minutes from the beach, became the scene of the crime where she was assaulted by each man in turn.
Locals reported hearing faint cries, but by the time help arrived, the accused had fled the scene. The victim, traumatized and in shock, was rushed to the hospital for medical assistance. Her condition remains stable, but the psychological scars are deep.
Police Launch Massive Manhunt
The Odisha police have taken the matter seriously, deploying special teams to track the suspects. CCTV footage from nearby roads is being scanned, and locals are being questioned to identify the gang. Authorities suspect the assailants may be locals familiar with the abandoned property.
Senior police officials visited the crime scene and assured that all culprits will be brought to justice. “No one involved in this brutal act will be spared,” said a district officer.
Public Outrage and Demands for Justice
The incident has sparked outrage across Odisha. Women’s groups and local activists have staged protests, demanding fast-track trials and the harshest punishment for the perpetrators. The attack has reignited debates around women’s safety, especially in tourist areas like Gopalpur.
Residents are also questioning the lack of police patrolling in the region, especially during festivals when crowds swell. The house where the crime occurred had been abandoned for years—raising concerns about neglected, unsafe structures.
