Gang rape accused extorted ₹1,000 from victim: Police

Bhubaneswar

Ten people, including four minors, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 20-year-old college student in Odisha’s Gopalpur on June 15. Police said the accused also extorted ₹1,000 from the victim and her male companion after the assault, using cash and UPI.

The prime accused, Pramod Nayak, 23, is a B Tech dropout with a criminal history. He was out on bail in an attempted murder case and had returned to his village from Bengaluru, where he worked at an electronics factory.

The CID Crime Branch is now handling the investigation, which has drawn national attention. Led by IG S. Shyni of the Crime Against Women and Children Wing, the CID has been collecting evidence such as sand samples, cigarette stubs, and personal belongings from the crime scene.

The police said the accused had arrived in Gopalpur around 3:30 p.m. and waited in an isolated area before attacking the couple. Three men allegedly raped the woman while the others restrained her companion.

The victim’s friend, who witnessed the crime, has given a detailed statement, recorded in both audio and video formats. DNA samples of the accused are also being collected.

Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M confirmed that the four minors involved may be tried as adults, and legal action is underway under relevant sections of the law. Counseling support has also been provided to the survivor.