10 arrested in gang rape of 20-year-old woman at Odisha beach

Ten persons were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the gang rape of a 20-year-old woman at the famed Gopalpur beach in Odisha, the police said.

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The incident happened on Sunday night when the woman, an undergraduate student at a private college, went to the beach along with her boyfriend, who is her classmate, on the occasion of the Raja festival, they said.

The woman, in her complaint lodged at the Gopalpur police station, alleged that when they were sitting at an isolated place on the beach, a group of 10 persons approached them, rounded up her boyfriend and took turns to rape her.

"Initially, seven persons were detained for interrogation. Later, all 10 accused were arrested," said a police officer.

The accused were nabbed while they were trying to flee to another state, he said.

Medical examination of the survivor has been conducted, he added.

Police said the survivor lived in a private mess along with three other women.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said she has spoken to SP Saravana Vivek M and has ordered a thorough investigation and necessary steps to ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future.

The incident sent shockwaves across the state as tourists from far-off places visit the beach in the Ganjam district.