Odisha’s Gopalpur gangrape trial mirrors Nirbhaya case; 3 juveniles to be tried as adults

In a landmark move, the Berhampur ADJ-2 and Designated Children’s Court has ruled that three of the four juveniles accused in the Gopalpur gangrape case will be tried as adults, due to the heinous nature of the crime, drawing parallels to the 2012 Delhi Nirbhaya case.

Also Read: Gangrape at Gopalpur Beach: 3 raped the victim; 4 minors among 10 accused, says Berhampur SP

The incident, which occurred on June 14, 2025, sent shockwaves across Odisha. A young college student, who was accompanied by her male friend, was brutally gangraped by ten miscreants near Gopalpur beach. The physical assault had raised serious concerns about women's safety and law enforcement in the beach area.

Following swift action, Gopalpur police had arrested all 10 accused within two days. The Odisha government subsequently handed over the case to the Crime Branch, which submitted a 574-page chargesheet within 45 days (by July 28), listing more than 60 witnesses. So far, two home guards have deposed in court.

Of the four juveniles, three are above 16 but below 18. Under India’s Juvenile Justice Act, individuals in this age group can be tried as adults for especially heinous crimes. The court, citing the brutality of the incident, has invoked these provisions. Legal experts suggest the three could now face full penal sentences if convicted.

The court has kept its identities protected, as mandated by law. The fourth juvenile, aged under 16, will be tried under regular juvenile proceedings.

This trial draws strong comparisons to the 2012 Delhi gangrape case, where a minor accused was initially shielded under juvenile law despite the horrific nature of the crime. However, growing public outrage led to changes in the Juvenile Justice Act, allowing courts to treat offenders above 16 as adults in cases involving rape, murder, and terrorism.

Legal analysts say if the Gopalpur court rules in favour of adult sentencing, it would be a rare but powerful invocation of these revised laws.

The trial is underway, and court sources confirm that if all witnesses depose on schedule, swift sentencing could follow.

“The process of prosecution for minors, who are under 18 years of age but are above 16 years, will be the same as for adults. They will be considered as majors as they are fully mentally mature and are capable of understanding the consequences of prosecution,” senior advocate, Sourachandra Mohapatra, said to OTV when contacted.