Gopalpur Beach Nightmare: 20-Year‑Old College Student Gang‑Raped by 10, Including Four Minors

A Festival Night Turns Into a Crime Scene

On the night of June 15, 2025, a 20-year-old college student was gang-raped by ten youths, including four minors, at Gopalpur Beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The incident occurred when the victim and her male friend visited the beach to celebrate the Raja festival, a cultural event widely observed in Odisha.

They had arrived around 6:30 PM. As darkness set in, the couple ventured toward a less crowded part of the beach. There, they were reportedly surrounded by a group of local youths who assaulted the male companion and dragged the victim to a secluded area. According to the First Information Report (FIR), she was raped by multiple men while others kept watch.

Who Are the Accused?

All ten accused have now been arrested, Ganjam Superintendent of Police Jagmohan Meena confirmed on June 16. Their profiles are as follows:

• Four minors, all aged 17, currently in juvenile custody.

• Six adults, between the ages of 18 and 24.

• Most are residents of Berhampur and nearby villages.

• Two of the minors have been linked to earlier cases of petty crime and were previously flagged by juvenile welfare officers.

Police are pushing to have the minors tried as adults, invoking provisions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, which allows for this in cases of heinous crimes.

The Ganjam police formed four special teams to arrest the suspects within 48 hours. "We will file the chargesheet within 10 days and push for fast-track trial," said Meena.

🔗 Details from The Indian Express

Victim’s Condition and Legal Protection

The survivor, whose identity is protected under Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code, was admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital. Her condition is currently stable. She has been provided with a female counselor, legal aid, and security.

A medical examination confirmed sexual assault. The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognizance of the case and has demanded a report from the Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) within 72 hours.

NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma stated:

“This case must not become another statistic. We expect the Odisha government to ensure the strongest possible punishment and full support to the survivor.”

🔗 NCW Statement on ThePrint

A Tourism Hub Now Tainted

Gopalpur Beach is a popular destination, especially during festivals. However, the attack has triggered concern over the lack of night-time security, inadequate patrolling, and absence of CCTV surveillance in the area.

According to a local tourism officer, there were only two beat constables assigned to the area at night. Neither were present when the crime occurred.

The Odisha Tourism Department has now proposed:

• Installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras

• Deployment of dedicated tourist police units

• Increased illumination and patrolling during festivals and weekends

Broader Pattern of Crime: Missing Minor Involvement

Shockingly, this is not an isolated case. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows that over 18,000 minors went missing in India in 2023, many of whom are never traced. A significant percentage of juveniles involved in violent crimes are repeat offenders, raising questions about the efficiency of the juvenile rehabilitation system.

In Odisha alone, over 2,000 minors were reported missing last year — many from low-income communities with poor access to education and legal safeguards.

Public and Political Reaction

Public outrage has been swift:

• Candlelight vigils were held in Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, and Cuttack.

• #JusticeForGopalpurSurvivor trended on social media.

• Students’ unions and women's organizations demanded reforms in juvenile laws.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the attack and promised “justice at the earliest.” Former CM Naveen Patnaik urged political unity in securing justice for the survivor.

What Happens Next?

• A fast-track court in Berhampur will oversee the case.

• Police will seek adult trial for the minors under special provisions.

• Charges include gangrape (Section 376D IPC), criminal intimidation (Section 506), and unlawful assembly (Section 149).

A high-level committee has also been formed to evaluate safety at all coastal tourist zones in Odisha, with recommendations expected within 15 days.

Conclusion

This horrific crime serves as a brutal reminder of the work India still has to do in protecting its women, children, and tourists. What makes it even more painful is the involvement of minors—young lives already twisted by the system meant to protect them.

Swift justice and lasting policy reform are no longer optional. They are urgent, and overdue.