Odisha Gangrape Case Shocks State: Three Arrested, Manhunt for Fourth Accused
Puri, Odisha, September 16, 2025 — A horrific gangrape incident near the Baliharchandi temple in Odisha’s Puri district has sent shockwaves across the state, prompting widespread outrage and raising serious concerns about women’s safety in popular tourist destinations. A 19-year-old college student was allegedly gangraped on September 13, 2025, in front of her male companion, who was assaulted and tied to a tree by the perpetrators. Three suspects have been arrested, and police are intensifying efforts to apprehend a fourth accused, as the case draws parallels to a similar incident earlier this year.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 13, near Baliharchandi beach, a popular tourist spot under the Brahmagiri police station in Puri district. According to police reports, the victim, a 19-year-old Dalit college student from Mysore, was visiting the Maa Bali Harachandi temple with her male friend. After offering prayers, the couple moved to a nearby beach, where they were accosted by a group of local youths from Chandiput village. The perpetrators allegedly photographed and filmed the couple, using the images to blackmail them for money. When the couple refused to comply, two of the accused raped the woman, while others assaulted her companion and restrained him.
The survivor initially hesitated to file a formal complaint but lodged a First Information Report (FIR) on Monday evening, September 15, after police located her following local reports of the incident. The FIR, registered under Section 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), names two individuals directly involved in the rape, with additional charges for assault and extortion. The victim underwent a medical examination, which confirmed the assault, and is receiving counseling and support.
Police Action and Investigation
Puri police acted swiftly, detaining three suspects from Chandiput on Monday for interrogation. The arrested individuals, identified as local youths, are in custody, and a manhunt is underway for a fourth accused believed to be a key figure in the crime. Puri Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) stated, “Three persons have been detained in connection with the Baliharchandi case, but not all are involved in the rape. Two persons were involved in the rape incident as per the FIR, and both have been apprehended.” A dedicated team has been formed to track down the remaining accomplice, with police intensifying searches in nearby villages.
The investigation includes analyzing digital evidence, such as the photographs and videos allegedly used for blackmail, which are being sent for forensic examination. The police are also probing whether the accused have a history of similar offenses, given the area’s popularity among tourists. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the survivor and will leave no stone unturned,” said a senior official from the Puri district police.
Public Outrage and Political Reactions
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with local residents and activists demanding stringent action against the culprits. Protests erupted in Puri, with women’s rights groups and student organizations calling for enhanced safety measures at tourist sites. On social media platforms like X, users expressed dismay, with one post stating, “Another gangrape in Odisha? When will women feel safe in this country?” The case has drawn comparisons to a similar gangrape at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district on June 15, 2025, where ten individuals were arrested, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence against women in the state.
The opposition, particularly the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), has criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for failing to curb crimes against women. BJD leader Naveen Patnaik called for a high-level inquiry, stating, “The state government must take responsibility for ensuring women’s safety, especially in tourist areas.” In response, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured swift justice, announcing that the case would be fast-tracked in court and that additional police patrols would be deployed at key tourist spots.
Context of Rising Crimes Against Women
This incident comes amid growing concerns about crimes against women in Odisha. Recent cases, including the gangrape of a 21-year-old woman in a moving van in Mayurbhanj on August 31 and the prolonged abduction and assault of a 23-year-old in Balasore, have intensified scrutiny on the state’s law enforcement. The Gopalpur beach case, referenced frequently in connection to the Puri incident, involved ten perpetrators and sparked similar public outcry. Women’s safety advocates argue that Odisha’s tourist destinations, often promoted as safe and welcoming, require better policing and awareness campaigns to protect visitors.
Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2024 indicates that Odisha reported over 3,000 cases of crimes against women, including 1,200 cases of rape and assault. Activists are calling for systemic reforms, including gender sensitization programs for police and stricter penalties for offenders. “Tourist spots like Puri are economic lifelines, but they’re becoming danger zones for women. This must change,” said Priya Mohanty, a women’s rights activist in Bhubaneswar.
Government and Community Response
The Odisha government has promised comprehensive measures to address the crisis. In addition to increased police presence, the state is exploring the installation of CCTV cameras and panic buttons at major tourist sites. The Women and Child Development Department has also announced free legal aid and psychological support for the survivor, with plans to extend similar services to victims of gender-based violence statewide.
Local communities in Puri have expressed solidarity with the victim, with residents organizing candlelight vigils to demand justice. Educational institutions in the region, including Utkal University, have planned awareness drives to educate students about women’s safety and legal recourse in cases of assault.
Looking Ahead
The Baliharchandi gangrape case has cast a shadow over Odisha’s reputation as a tourist-friendly state, especially as the festive season approaches. The swift arrest of three suspects and the ongoing manhunt for the fourth reflect the police’s determination to deliver justice, but the incident underscores deeper systemic issues. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the survivor’s recovery and implementing measures to prevent such atrocities in the future.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the fourth accused to contact the Puri police helpline. The case is expected to proceed to a fast-track court, with the state government promising exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.
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