Odisha Congress Faces Turmoil as Student Wing Chief Faces Rape Charges

Udit Pradhan, the student wing chief of Congress in Odisha, has been arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old engineering student. The incident has caused uproar, with the party enforcing a zero-tolerance policy. While Congress has initiated an internal probe, opposition parties demand stricter action.


Devdiscourse News Desk | Bhubaneswar | Updated: 21-07-2025 21:03 IST | Created: 21-07-2025 21:03 IST
Odisha Congress Faces Turmoil as Student Wing Chief Faces Rape Charges
Udit Pradhan
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In a significant setback for the opposition Congress in Odisha, the party's student wing chief, Udit Pradhan, has been arrested on charges of allegedly raping a 19-year-old engineering student. The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police said the incident, which occurred on March 18, came to light when the victim lodged a complaint, revealing details of the alleged assault and threats by Pradhan.

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) swiftly suspended Pradhan, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence. Meanwhile, the Pradesh Congress has constituted a six-member committee to probe the allegations. The political landscape intensified with protests as the BJP's youth wing demanded accountability from Congress leaders.

Rahul Gandhi and opposition parties have criticized the ruling BJP in Odisha for a surge in crimes against women, sparking statewide demonstrations. The arrest has exposed internal tensions, with the situation drawing national attention amid wider debates on women's safety and justice.

(With inputs from agencies.)

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