Odisha: Congress Suspends NSUI Leader Udit Pradhan, Accused Of Raping A 19-Year-Old Girl

Congress on Monday suspended its students' wing, National Students' Union of India (NSUI), in Odisha leader Udit Pradhan after he was arrested for allegedly raping a 19-year-old engineering student in Bhubaneswar. The victim claims that Pradhan drugged and assaulted her in a hotel room in March.

The incident reportedly began on March 18 when the student met two friends at Master Canteen Chowk in Bhubaneswar. While they were conversing in a car, another individual joined them. This person introduced himself as Udit Pradhan and mentioned his role as the NSUI president for Odisha.

Allegations Against NSUI Leader Udit Pradhan

According to the student's complaint, Pradhan sat beside her and behaved inappropriately. They then proceeded to a hotel where they checked into a room and began drinking. The student, who does not consume alcohol, declined to join them. However, Pradhan offered her a cold drink which she accepted.

After consuming the drink, she felt dizzy and requested to be taken home but soon lost consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, she found Pradhan next to her and experienced pain, realising something was amiss.

Political Repercussions

This arrest occurs amidst Congress's criticism of the BJP government in Odisha over increasing crimes against women. Recently, a college student's self-immolation while protesting sexual harassment by faculty sparked outrage. The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha described it as an "organised murder by the system."

The opposition leader alleged that the deceased student was denied justice and faced threats and humiliation instead. "The death of a daughter fighting for justice in Odisha is nothing less than a murder by the BJP's system," he stated on X.

BJP's Expected Response

The BJP is anticipated to retaliate against Congress following Pradhan's arrest. The situation adds fuel to ongoing political tensions between the parties over women's safety issues in Odisha.

"Those who were supposed to protect her kept breaking her," continued the opposition leader's post on X. He accused the BJP system of shielding perpetrators and forcing an innocent girl into desperate actions.