Bhubaneswar: National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Odisha president Udit Narayan Pradhan (27) was arrested on Monday for allegedly raping a 19-year-old BBA student in the city hotel in March, causing embarrassment to the party which had been very vocal against the BJP govt over alleged rise in sexual assault cases in the state.The arrest took place after the survivor filed a police complaint on Sunday night, stating that Pradhan had drugged her cold drink and sexually assaulted her in a hotel on March 18.According to her complaint, she was travelling with two friends — a male and another female — in a car when Pradhan, previously unknown to her, joined them near Master Canteen Square. Pradhan was apparently known to her male friend, who was driving. They later went to a hotel where the alleged rape took place.“We are investigating the possible involvement of the other three companions, though the survivor’s FIR specifically named Pradhan,” ACP (Zone-5) Biswaranjan Senapati said.The FIR addressed the delayed reporting, explaining that Pradhan, who held a significant position in Congress, had threatened her. But given that several survivors have been opening up and seeking justice in the wake of the recent self-immolation of the Balasore student, the survivor said she, too, decided to speak up. “Currently I saw a campaign for women justice. This encouraged me to approach the police,” her complaint read.Congress, which suspended Pradhan, also put out a statement on X. “In view of recent developments, the NSUI Odisha state president has been suspended with immediate effect, pending inquiry. 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,” NSUI national president Varun Choudhary wrote. However, Pradhan was defended by NSUI Odisha in its X handle. “Udit Narayan Pradhan had been fighting tirelessly for the justice of women and students of Odisha. The BJP govt got him arrested,” it said. BJP demanded a reply from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi while also asking for state president Bhakta Charan Das’s resignation. “The double standard of Congress has been exposed with Pradhan’s arrest. Even though our govt took prompt action in Balasore girl’s death case, Rahul Gandhi and Bhakta Das were demanding the resignation of the chief minister. They are shedding crocodile tears for women’s safety, but their own colleague tormented a girl. Pradhan was previously booked in several other cases too,” said Abhilash Panda, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state unit president. Responding to Pradhan’s arrest, Das said law will take its own course. “We have formed a six-member committee headed by party vice-president Sasmita Behera to verify the allegations against Pradhan. Our fight for women’s justice will continue,” the state Congress chief said.
