TV
Odisha Student Congress president Udit Pradhan was arrested by Mancheswar police on rape charges on Sunday night. A young woman has accused Udit of raping her after allegedly giving her an intoxicating drink at a hotel on March 18 this year.
Following her complaint, police recorded her statement and took Pradhan into custody. The survivor has alleged that after she regained consciousness, Udit threatened her to keep silent.
Police have registered a case against the accused under serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges include BNS 64(1) - rape, BNS 123 - giving an intoxicating drink to commit a crime, BNS 296 - display of obscene behaviour, BNS 74 - forcibly displaying obscene behaviour towards a woman, and BNS 351(2) - threatening and forcing to commit a wrong act.
Supporters Cause Overnight Ruckus At Police Station
Following Pradhan's arrest, his supporters created a ruckus outside Mancheswar Police Station throughout the night. The gathering led to some tension, although police maintained law and order at the site.
Congress Under Fire
Notably, the arrest comes days after Odisha Congress, along with BJD and other opposition parties, staged an ‘Odisha Bandh’ agitation. The protest had targeted the state government over alleged inaction in the FM College incident, claiming women were unsafe in Odisha and accusing the government of not taking sufficient steps to ensure their safety. The incident involving Pradhan has now drawn criticism, citing hypocrisy.
No official response could be received from either Udit Pradhan or the Student Congress.
