Sunil Jena | Editor-in-Chief, The Politics
A big question has come up in Odisha’s politics. Can the Congress party prove that its leader is innocent, or has the Student Congress president made a big mistake that will damage the party?
Recently, the police arrested Udit Pradhan, the Student Congress President, on serious charges of rape. A young woman said that Udit drugged her with a soft drink and then raped her in a hotel room in Bhubaneswar. The police picked him up from his house and said he will be presented in court soon.
What Happened?
The young woman told the police that on March 18, she and her two friends met Udit near the Master Canteen. They went with him to a hotel in Nuapalli. There, others drank alcohol, but she refused. So Udit offered her a soft drink. After drinking it, she started feeling dizzy and asked to go home. But Udit and the others did not let her leave. She fainted. When she woke up, she realised she had been raped. She was scared because Udit was a powerful student leader. She stayed silent for many months. But finally, on July 21, she went to Mancheswar Police Station and gave her complaint.
What Is Congress Doing?
After this case became public, Congress suspended Udit from the party. They also created a “Fact Finding Committee” to check what happened. But the BJP is putting heavy pressure. They are even demanding that the PCC President of Odisha Congress should resign. The case has become a big headache for the Congress leadership.
What Evidence Does the Police Have?
Police say they are checking CCTV footage from the hotel. Some proof has already been found. A medical test was done on the girl, and her statement has been recorded. But the police are still searching for the two boys and the girl who were also present in the hotel room. Finding them is now a big challenge.
Can Congress Prove Udit Is Innocent?
The Congress says it wants a fair inquiry, but the public is asking tough questions. If the charges are true, how did such a person become a youth leader? On the other hand, if the case is false, then Udit’s name and future are being destroyed. Only time, the police, and the court will give a final answer.
Why This Matters
This case is more than just one person’s mistake. It concerns how serious political parties are about women’s safety and justice. People expect leaders to show good behaviour. If a leader does wrong, it affects the image of the whole party.
The Congress has a tough choice: stand by the truth or protect its face. Whatever they do, they must act fast and transparently. Odisha is watching. And so is the nation.
