CUTTACK: A woman was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men near Sukarpada village in Cuttack district after she and a male friend were intercepted on the Cuttack–Chandbali Road, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred in the Nischintakoili police station area on Tuesday night, according to official statements to news agencies.
Police response and investigation
Superintendent of Police (Cuttack–Rural) Vinit Agrawal said a group of four to six men stopped the two while they were travelling from Bhubaneswar towards Kendrapara. The suspects allegedly thrashed the male friend and then gang-raped the woman, after which they fled the scene, leaving both the victims behind, the SP said.
"Multiple teams have been formed to nab the accused persons. We are hopeful that they will be arrested soon," SP Vinit Agrawal told PTI.
A formal complaint was lodged by the survivor and a first information report has been registered at Nischintakoili police station. A DSP-rank officer has been appointed as the investigating officer to lead the inquiry, the police said.
What police have said so far
- The incident occurred on Tuesday night near Sukarpada village, on the Cuttack–Chandbali Road, in the jurisdiction of Nischintakoili police station.
- Victims were travelling from Bhubaneswar to Kendrapara when they were intercepted by a group of four to six men.
- The male companion was assaulted; the woman was allegedly gang-raped. The group fled the scene afterward.
- A case has been registered based on the survivor’s complaint and a DSP has been deputed as investigating officer. Multiple police teams have been constituted to apprehend the suspects.
The police statement does not yet include details about any arrests, descriptions of the accused or whether any forensic or medical examinations have been completed. Further updates are expected as the DSP-led investigation progresses.
Immediate safety advice for residents and travellers
Incidents on highways and peri-urban stretches underline the importance of precautionary measures for residents, especially women travelling at night. Local policing and community vigilance play key roles; the following practical steps can reduce risk:
- Avoid stopping in isolated stretches after dark. If vehicle trouble occurs, try to move to a well-lit, populated area before exiting the vehicle.
- Inform family or friends of travel routes and expected arrival times; share live location when possible.
- If forced to stop, contact the nearest police station or dial emergency numbers; seek help from roadside businesses or highway police units.
Local residents and commuters are urged to cooperate with law enforcement if they have any information about the incident. Even small details—such as vehicle descriptions, direction of travel, or time of sighting—can assist investigators and speed the arrest of suspects.
| Detail | Known information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sukarpada village, Cuttack–Chandbali Road (Nischintakoili PS area) |
| When | Tuesday night (exact time not specified) |
| Victims | Woman (survivor lodged complaint) and a male friend (assaulted) |
| Suspects | Group of 4–6 men (fled scene) |
| Investigation | FIR registered; DSP appointed as investigating officer; multiple teams formed |
The investigation remains active. Residents with credible information are requested to contact Nischintakoili police station. Authorities have not released further details on motive or any recovered evidence as of the latest official briefings.
This alleged assault comes amid continuing concerns over safety on highways and rural roads at night. Police in Cuttack district say they are pursuing leads and expect arrests; meanwhile, community awareness and prompt reporting to law enforcement are essential to prevent further incidents.
