Juvenile or Adult? Controversial Decision in Gopalpur Gangrape Case

In a shocking case that has enraged the nation, four minor boys and six adults have been arrested for the alleged gangrape of a college student at Gopalpur sea beach in Odisha. The minors underwent medical testing to verify their ages after police requested they be tried as adults.

Authorities conducted an ossification test on the minors at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in Berhampur, seeking clarity on whether to process them under adult legal standards. This move comes amidst growing calls for justice in the wake of the heinous crime, according to Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M.

Currently, the six adults remain behind bars after their bail requests were denied, while the minors have been sent to correctional facilities. Investigations are led by the CID, with DNA samples collected from the accused and the victim to support the ongoing inquiry.

(With inputs from agencies.)