(OT webdesk)The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has constituted a six-member fact-finding committee following the arrest of Udit Pradhan, President of the Odisha Student Congress.
Pradhan was taken into custody after a 19-year-old engineering student accused him of rape, criminal intimidation, and drugging her during an alleged incident at a Bhubaneswar hotel on March 18.
The internal committee, led by senior Congress leader Sasmita Behera, includes Sofia Firdous, Dr. Debasmita Sharma, Sonali Sahu, Jayashree Patra, and Dr. Manisha Das Pattanaik.
Tasked with gathering all relevant facts, the panel will submit its findings to the state leadership.
In parallel, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) suspended Pradhan pending further inquiry.
The party reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on crimes against women, underscoring its recent criticism of the state government’s approach to women’s safety.
The arrest has sparked political backlash, with opposition parties demanding transparency and swift action.
Citizens have also voiced concern about the ethical climate within student political organisations.
The OPCC stated its commitment to due process and justice, stressing the importance of accountability in upholding party values.
