Congress Student Wing Chief Udit Pradhan Arrested In Connection With 19-Year-Old’s Rape

21st July 2025 at 11:53 AM

1 minute read

The Mancheswar police in Bhubaneswar have arrested Udit Pradhan, the president of the Odisha unit of the Congress party's student wing, on charges of allegedly raping a 19-year-old engineering student after lacing her drink.

Bhubaneswar : The Mancheswar police in Bhubaneswar have arrested Udit Pradhan, the president of the Odisha unit of the Congress party’s student wing, on charges of allegedly raping a 19-year-old engineering student after lacing her drink. The incident took place on March 18 this year. The complainant stated that she, along with two friends, met Pradhan near the Master Canteen area of Bhubaneswar. The group later proceeded to a hotel in Nayapalli in Pradhan’s vehicle.

While others in the group reportedly consumed liquor, the complainant declined alcohol and was offered a soft drink by Pradhan. She alleged that the drink had been spiked with an intoxicating substance. Soon after consuming it, she began to feel dizzy and asked to be taken home. However, the FIR states that Pradhan and the others prevented her from leaving. She eventually lost consciousness and later realised she had been sexually assaulted. She also alleged that Pradhan threatened her with serious consequences if she spoke about the incident.

The survivor filed a police complaint months later, stating that she had been afraid to come forward earlier. Following the registration of the FIR, the police acted and arrested Pradhan the same night. After news of the arrest spread, a group of around 50 people, including Pradhan’s family members and student Congress supporters, gathered outside the Mancheswar police station. Police deployed at the location restricted access to the premises. Following the allegations, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) suspended Udit Pradhan from the organisation.