Congress faces heat as Odisha NSUI leader held for rape

In a major embarrassment for the Congress, which has been vocal in criticising the BJP government over recent crimes against women in Odisha, the state president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Udit Narayan Pradhan (27), was arrested on Monday for allegedly raping a 19-year-old BBA student in a Bhubaneswar hotel in March, The Times of India reported.

Following his arrest, NSUI suspended Pradhan with immediate effect, pending an internal inquiry. According to the FIR, the woman filed a police complaint on Sunday night alleging that Pradhan had spiked her cold drink with drugs before sexually assaulting her in a hotel on March 18.

The FIR also noted the delay in reporting the assault, stating that Pradhan had threatened the survivor. She reportedly feared going to the police, given Pradhan’s prominent position in the Congress student wing.


However, the survivor told police that she found courage to speak out after several women came forward seeking justice in the wake of the Balasore self-immolation case. “This encouraged me to approach the police,” she said.

In her complaint, the woman stated that she had been travelling with two friends — one male and one female — when Pradhan, whom she did not know at the time, joined them. They later checked into a hotel where the alleged assault occurred. The FIR added that Pradhan was apparently known to her male friend, who was driving the car.

NSUI national president Varun Choudhary said in a statement on X that Pradhan had been suspended in view of recent developments. “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,” Choudhary said.

Meanwhile, the NSUI’s Odisha unit came out in defence of Pradhan, alleging in a post on X that the BJP government had orchestrated his arrest because he was “fighting tirelessly” for the rights of women and students.