Bhubaneswar | July 21, 2025 — Udit Pradhan, President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), has been arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 19-year-old engineering student in Bhubaneswar. Following his arrest on Sunday, the Congress party-affiliated student organization announced his immediate suspension from the leadership role.
According to police officials, the arrest was made after the survivor lodged a formal complaint alleging that she was drugged and sexually assaulted in a city hotel in March this year.
Allegations and Police Action
In her complaint, the student stated that Pradhan had invited her for dinner and offered her a cold drink, which she believes was laced with sedatives. She alleges that he sexually assaulted her while she was under the influence of the spiked beverage.
The complaint was registered at Mancheswar Police Station, and an FIR was filed on Sunday, leading to Pradhan’s arrest. Police confirmed that he will be produced before the court on Monday afternoon.
Charges Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Pradhan has been booked under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including:
- Section 64(1) – Rape
- Section 123 – Criminal Intimidation
- Section 296, 74, and 351(2) – Related to unlawful restraint, administering harmful substances, and coercion
A senior police official stated, “The accused has been booked under various provisions of the BNS related to sexual assault and criminal intimidation. The complainant has also alleged that Pradhan threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke about the incident.”
Political Fallout
The NSUI issued a statement distancing itself from Pradhan shortly after the arrest. “In light of the serious allegations, Udit Pradhan has been suspended from all organizational responsibilities with immediate effect,” the party said.
The case has sparked political and public outrage, with calls for swift and transparent investigation.
Authorities have assured that due process will be followed, and further investigation is underway.
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