Odisha NSUI Chief Udit Pradhan Arrested Over Alleged Rape of Student

In a serious case that has put political student groups under scrutiny, the Odisha unit president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Udit Pradhan, was arrested yesterday in connection with the alleged rape of a 19-year-old engineering student. The alleged offense is said to have occurred in March at a Bhubaneswar hotel, where the victim alleges she was drugged before the assault.

Allegations and Police Action

• According to the victim’s complaint, she was introduced to Pradhan on the evening of March 18 near Master Canteen Chowk. She claims she consumed a drink offered by him that left her disoriented and unconscious.
• Upon regaining consciousness, she reportedly found herself in a compromising situation and realized she had been assaulted.
• The Mancheswar Police registered an FIR under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including rape and administering an intoxicating substance to facilitate the crime.

Arrest, Charges, and Immediate Aftermath

• Pradhan was arrested late Sunday by the Mancheswar police in Bhubaneswar and is set to be presented in court.
• Following the arrest, the NSUI suspended him pending the outcome of the investigation. The state Congress unit also formed a six-member committee to gather additional facts.

Victim’s Statement

The victim’s statement, reported by NDTV and HT, details the timeline:

“He offered me a cold drink. After drinking, I started feeling dizzy… When I regained consciousness, I found Udit Pradhan lying next to me. I felt pain and realised something wrong had happened.”

Response from Authorities and Political Parties

• NSUI (National President Varun Choudhary): Emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on gender-based crimes, stating Pradhan’s suspension was immediate.
• Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee: Appointed a fact-finding team headed by Sasmita Behera to investigate internally and report findings.
• The Bhubaneswar Police Commissionerate confirmed the FIR and arrest, citing provisions under rape, criminal intimidation, and administering substances.

Wider Context and Implications

This incident comes shortly after another high-profile case in Odisha involving student suicide and alleged harassment—emphasizing the growing public focus on women’s safety and accountability, especially involving individuals in political positions.

What Happens Next

• The Odisha Police will continue probing the case, including medical tests, forensic analysis, and witness examination.
• Udit Pradhan will appear before the court on Monday, facing charges under multiple sections of the penal code.
• This case is likely to revive calls for urgent reform in student safety policies and stricter protocols for political student organizations.