The case against Udit Pradhan, the president of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) in Odisha, has taken a serious turn. Pradhan was arrested on charges of raping a 19-year-old woman after spiking her drink at a hotel in Bhubaneswar's Nayapalli area on March 18. The Mancheswar police have now converted the rape case into a gang rape case, and Pradhan's accomplice, Ayushman Sahu, has been arrested.
The police have upgraded the charges against Pradhan and Sahu, indicating a deeper investigation into the alleged crime.
The victim has given a statement against Ayushman Sahu, corroborating the allegations of gang rape.
Pradhan has been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:
- BNS 64(1): Rape
- BNS 123: Administering an intoxicating substance to facilitate a crime (previously mentioned as attempt to murder by poisoning, but accurately reflected as BNS 123 for giving intoxicating drink to commit a crime)
- BNS 296: Obscene behavior in public
- BNS 74: Forcibly displaying obscene behavior towards a woman
- Prompt Action: The police took swift action after the victim lodged a complaint, leading to the arrest of Pradhan and Sahu.
- NSUI's Response: The NSUI has suspended Pradhan from his position, citing a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based injustice.
- Ongoing Investigation: The police are continuing their investigation, gathering evidence and testimonies to build a strong case against the accused.