Student gang-raped on beach, 7 arrested

By SAGAY FERNANDO | June 17, 2025

 

Ganjam, Odisha, INDIA: In a horrifying incident, a 20-year-old college student was gang-raped by a group of ten men on a secluded beach in Odisha’s Ganjam district late Sunday June 15, 2025, night. The brutal assault took place around 9:30 pm while the victim was spending time with her boyfriend near the seashore.

 

According to police sources, the couple had chosen a quiet spot on the beach when the group of men, reportedly under the influence of alcohol, surrounded them. The attackers allegedly made lewd remarks at the young woman, and when her boyfriend protested, they physically assaulted him and held him captive at a distance. The victim was then forcibly raped by multiple men, while her mouth was covered to prevent her from screaming, say the police.

 

The traumatized survivor reached the nearest police station around 11 pm. Initially hesitant to lodge a complaint due to fear and trauma, she was encouraged by her boyfriend to report the crime. Police acted swiftly, and by Monday, June 16, had taken seven suspects into custody. A manhunt is on-going to apprehend the remaining three accused.

 

Berhampur Superintendent of Police Sarvana Vivek M confirmed the arrests and revealed that all the suspects are unemployed young men, aged around 20, and residents of Ganjam. Their criminal backgrounds are currently being verified. The SP and his investigative team have inspected the crime scene and are closely monitoring the case.

 

The survivor, a Plus III student (equivalent to undergraduate level), resides in Ganjam in a rented apartment shared with three other girls. She has undergone medical examination and is receiving psychological counselling under police supervision.

 

This disturbing case comes just days after another sexual assault was reported from the coastal city of Puri, where a Class IX student was allegedly raped inside a beachside hotel. In that earlier case, three individuals were arrested.

 

Tourism and hospitality leaders have raised concerns over security lapses in popular coastal areas. Srinivas Subuddhi, Executive President of the Odisha Hotel and Restaurant Association, criticized the lack of adequate lighting on the beach where the latest incident occurred. “District authorities must prioritize public safety in tourist zones,” he urged.

 

Debasis Kumar, Vice President of the Puri Hotel Association, echoed similar sentiments. “Visitor safety must be paramount. Police should regularly assess and strengthen security at all tourist hotspots to prevent such horrifying events.”

 

The state government has come under pressure to implement stricter safety measures across beachside locations and tourist destinations. Public outrage is mounting, with calls for speedy justice and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.