Odisha NSUI chief arrested after 19-year-old alleges rape

BHUBANESHWAR: In a major embarrassment to Congress, which has been vocal against BJP govt over the recent incidents of crime against women in Odisha, the state president of National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Udit Narayan Pradhan (27), was arrested on Monday for allegedly raping a 19-year-old BBA student in a Bhubaneswar hotel in March.NSUI suspended Pradhan with immediate effect, pending inquiry. The arrest took place after the survivor filed a police complaint on Sunday night, stating that Pradhan had drugged her by spiking her cold drink, and had sexually assaulted her in a hotel on March 18. The FIR addressed the delayed reporting of the crime, stating that Pradhan had threatened the complainant, and since he held a significant position in the Congress student wing, she was apprehensive of approaching police.However, given that several women have opened up and sought justice in the wake of the Balasore self-immolation case, the survivor said she, too, decided to speak up. “This encouraged me to approach the police,” she said.According to the woman’s complaint, she was travelling with two friends — a male and a female — in a car when Pradhan, previously unknown to her, joined them. They later went to a hotel, where the rape allegedly took place, the FIR stated, adding that Pradhan was apparently known to her male friend, who was driving.

In a statement on X, NSUI national president Varun Choudhary said Pradhan had been suspended in view of recent developments. “NSUI maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based injustice and is unwavering in its commitment to accountability and justice. Our fight for justice for the Balasore victim will continue with full resolve,” Choudhary said.However, NSUI Odisha unit defended Pradhan on its X handle, alleging that BJP govt got Pradhan arrested as he had been “fighting tirelessly” for justice to women and students.