Odisha Student Congress President Udit Pradhan Arrested on Rape Charges

Following the survivor’s complaint, the police recorded her statement and took Pradhan into custody. According to the complainant, she lost consciousness after consuming the drink and, upon regaining awareness, was allegedly threatened by Pradhan to remain silent about the incident.

A case has been registered against Pradhan under several serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including BNS 64(1) – rape, BNS 123 – administering an intoxicating substance to facilitate a crime, BNS 296 – obscene behaviour in public, BNS 74 – forcibly exhibiting obscene behaviour towards a woman and BNS 351(2) – criminal intimidation to commit an unlawful act.

Soon after his arrest, the Congress party suspended Pradhan from his position. His supporters gathered outside Mancheswar Police Station in protest, causing brief tension in the area. However, police maintained order at the scene.

The arrest comes close on the heels of a state-wide agitation—Odisha Bandh—jointly observed by the Congress, BJD, and other opposition parties. The protest had accused the state government of failing to protect women, especially in the wake of the FM College incident. The development involving a senior student leader of the Congress has now triggered criticism, with many calling out the party’s double standards on women’s safety.

No official comment was available from Udit Pradhan or the Student Congress at the time of filing this report.