National Students' Union of India (NSUI) Odisha President Udit Narayan Pradhan has been suspended from his post following his arrest in a rape case. The suspension was announced by NSUI national president Varun Chaudhary, emphasizing the party's zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based injustice.
The Incident
On March 18, a 19-year-old engineering student alleged that she was raped by Udit Pradhan after he spiked her soft drink with sedatives at a hotel in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. The victim claimed that she was introduced to Pradhan by a classmate at Master Canteen Square, and he later took her and her friends to the hotel. After consuming the drugged drink, she lost consciousness and was allegedly sexually assaulted.
Charges and Investigation
Pradhan has been charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Section 64(1): Rape
- Section 123: Attempt to murder by poisoning
- Section 296: Abusive language
- Section 74: Assault
The police have initiated a full investigation, and Pradhan was detained late Sunday night and produced before a court on Monday.
The NSUI has assured that the fight for justice for the victim will continue with full resolve. Varun Chaudhary stated that the party maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based injustice and is committed to accountability and justice.