Udit Pradhan, the Odisha State President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), was apprehended by police late Sunday night for allegedly raping a 19-year-old engineering student in Bhubaneswar. The case has ignited significant political controversy and intensified concerns about the safety of women in Odisha’s academic institutions.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) filed, the incident occurred on March 18, 2025. The victim, a first-year engineering student, met Pradhan near Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar, accompanied by a fellow classmate. Pradhan reportedly invited the two students to a hotel in the Nayapalli area for a meal.
During the evening, the victim was allegedly given a soft drink that may have been spiked with sedatives. After consuming it, she became disoriented and requested to be taken home. She later lost consciousness and awoke to find she had been sexually assaulted. The victim further alleges that Pradhan threatened her to remain silent about the incident.
Police Investigation and Arrest
The case came to public attention when the victim mustered the courage to file a complaint at Mancheswar Police Station in Bhubaneswar. Following an initial investigation, authorities arrested Pradhan on July 20, 2025, in Bhubaneswar. He is due to appear in court on July 21.
Law enforcement is actively gathering forensic evidence and questioning Pradhan. Additionally, investigators are reviewing hotel records and CCTV footage to substantiate the claims.
Political and Social Ramifications
Pressure on NSUI and Congress: Pradhan’s arrest, given his prominent role in the NSUI—the student wing of the Indian National Congress—has sparked a political storm. Opposition parties have urged the Congress to suspend Pradhan immediately and issue a public condemnation. As of now, neither NSUI nor the Congress has released an official statement.
Heightened Focus on Campus Safety: This incident follows a string of recent gender-based violence cases in Odisha, including the tragic death of a female student in Balasore in June, who set herself on fire after her sexual harassment complaint was ignored. These incidents have amplified public discourse on women’s safety in educational settings and the effectiveness of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.
Legal Proceedings
Charges: Pradhan has been charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to rape and criminal intimidation.
Medical Examination: The victim has undergone a medical examination, and her statement has been recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC.
Court Appearance: Pradhan is scheduled to appear in a Bhubaneswar court on Monday afternoon, with police likely to request his custody for further investigation.
Public and Institutional Reactions
Response from Women’s Rights Advocates
Women’s rights organizations have strongly denounced the incident, calling for severe penalties for the accused and systemic changes to address institutional failures in protecting students.
Early reports suggest that student organizations across Odisha, including opposing groups, are planning demonstrations this week to demand justice for the victim and accountability from any leaders implicated in suppressing the case.
Profile of the Accused
Udit Pradhan has been a prominent figure in Odisha’s youth politics, serving as NSUI state president for over a year. His active involvement in campus activism made him a recognizable leader, but his arrest has significantly tarnished the NSUI’s standing in the state. The arrest of Udit Pradhan has brought renewed attention to the critical issue of women’s safety in Odisha’s educational institutions. As the legal process progresses, the responses from law enforcement, political entities, and academic institutions will be closely scrutinized. This case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms, greater accountability, and increased efforts to address gender-based violence.