Odisha Manhunt: Gang Rape of Dalit Student Sparks Outrage

Authorities in Odisha have intensified their search for an individual involved in the gang rape of a Dalit student near Puri. The 19-year-old and her boyfriend were attacked while sitting in a Casurina forest by a group demanding money in exchange for deleting compromising photos of them.

When the couple refused to comply with the extortion attempt, violence ensued, resulting in the alleged rape of the woman and physical assault on her boyfriend, who was tied to a tree. Senior police officials confirmed that three arrests have already been made, including Siba and Manoj Sahoo, the main accused in the attack.

The incident has highlighted the need for increased security at tourist attractions like the Baliharchandi temple, amid calls from political leaders for the government to act. The case has also reignited outrage over a similar incident in June at Gopalpur beach, leading to the arrest of ten individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)