Udit Pradhan, the Odisha state unit president of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), has been arrested on charges of allegedly raping a 19-year-old student in Bhubaneswar. The arrest follows a complaint filed by the victim, who accused Pradhan of drugging her drink at a hotel on March 18 before committing the assault.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the survivor stated that Pradhan had slipped an intoxicating substance into her drink. The incident reportedly occurred at a hotel in Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar. The woman also alleged that Pradhan threatened her with serious consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone. Fearing reprisal due to Pradhan's position within the Congress student wing, she was initially hesitant to approach the police. However, inspired by other women who have recently come forward to seek justice, particularly in the wake of the Balasore self-immolation case, she decided to file a complaint.

The police have registered a case against Pradhan under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including rape and criminal intimidation. These sections include 64(1) for rape, 123 for administering an intoxicating substance to commit an offense, 296 for obscene acts and songs, 74 for using criminal force against a woman, and 351(2) for criminal intimidation.

Following the arrest, NSUI national president Varun Choudhary announced Pradhan's immediate suspension pending an inquiry. Choudhary stated that NSUI maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards gender-based injustice and is committed to accountability and justice. The Odisha unit of the Congress party has also formed a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate the matter. The committee will meet with the complainant and submit a report to the state Congress president.

The arrest has sparked protests, with supporters of Pradhan gathering outside the Mancheswar Police Station. Meanwhile, the NSUI Odisha unit defended Pradhan on its X handle, alleging that the BJP government orchestrated the arrest because Pradhan had been "fighting tirelessly" for justice for women and students.

The incident has created an awkward situation for the Congress party, which has been critical of the BJP government in Odisha over recent incidents of crime against women. The party is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.