**Congress Student Leader Arrested for Alleged Rape in Bhubaneswar**
A significant incident has unfolded in Bhubaneswar, where Udit Pradhan, the president of the Odisha unit of the Congress party’s student wing, has been arrested on allegations of raping a 19-year-old engineering student. The arrest occurred late Sunday night at Pradhan’s residence, and he is set to appear in court on Monday.
The survivor reported that the alleged assault took place on March 18 of this year. According to her complaint, she and two friends met Pradhan near the Master Canteen area of Bhubaneswar. They later traveled to a hotel in Nayapalli in Pradhan’s vehicle. While her friends consumed alcohol, the complainant declined and was instead offered a soft drink by Pradhan, which she claims was spiked with an intoxicating substance. After consuming the drink, she began to feel dizzy and requested to be taken home.
However, the FIR indicates that Pradhan and the others in the group prevented her from leaving. The complainant eventually lost consciousness and later realized she had been sexually assaulted. She also reported that Pradhan threatened her with severe consequences if she disclosed the incident.
Months later, the survivor filed a police complaint, citing fear as the reason for her delayed report. Following the registration of the FIR, police acted swiftly, leading to Pradhan’s arrest the same night.
In the wake of the arrest, approximately 50 individuals, including Pradhan’s family members and supporters from the student Congress, gathered outside the Mancheswar police station. Authorities at the scene restricted access to the premises to maintain order.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of safety and accountability in society, particularly concerning the treatment of women. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains crucial to support survivors and ensure justice is served.
**FAQ**
**What are the charges against Udit Pradhan?**
Udit Pradhan has been arrested on charges of allegedly raping a 19-year-old engineering student after spiking her drink.