Gopalpur gangrape case: 10 arrested, including minors, for horrific beach attack

Bhubaneswar, June 17: Police have apprehended ten individuals, including four minors, in connection with the horrific gangrape of a woman on Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district. The arrests follow an investigation launched after the survivor filed a formal complaint.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on Sunday night when a 20-year-old woman and her male friend were celebrating the Raja festival at a secluded spot on Gopalpur beach. A group of over ten assailants accosted them, extorting ₹1,000 in cash and taking their pictures. The perpetrators then demanded further digital payments, threatening to circulate the photos if their demands were not met.

While five of the accused restrained the male friend, others overpowered the woman. Three individuals allegedly took turns raping the woman while the others stood guard. The attackers fled around 10 PM, warning the victims against reporting the crime.

The survivor and her friend promptly reported the incident to the Gopalpur police, who registered a case and initiated an investigation. Sources indicate that three of the accused were intercepted by police while attempting to flee to another state.

All ten individuals, reportedly from the Hinjili area of the district, have been taken into custody. The four minors involved have been presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).