Bhubaneswar, 21 July (H.S.) The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Indian National Congress, has suspended its Odisha state president, Udit Pradhan, following his arrest in connection with an alleged sexual assault case. The suspension comes amid mounting criticism and demands for accountability within the party.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the NSUI’s National President stated, “In view of recent developments, the NSUI Odisha State President has been suspended with immediate effect, pending investigation.” The organization reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward gender-based violence and affirmed its commitment to ensuring justice.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) has constituted a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate the matter. The panel will be headed by senior party leader Sasmita Behera and is expected to submit a detailed report to the OPCC leadership.

Udit Pradhan was arrested by the Commissionerate Police following a complaint lodged by a young woman, who alleged that he sexually assaulted her in a hotel in Bhubaneswar. According to police sources, the incident occurred on March 25, 2025. The survivor claimed that Pradhan had invited her and a group of friends on an outing, during which he took them to a hotel. There, he allegedly spiked her drink with an intoxicating substance and assaulted her.

The complaint was registered as Case No. 419/25 at the Mancheswar Police Station in Bhubaneswar. Although the incident was reported after a delay, police acted promptly, recording the survivor’s statement and initiating an investigation. Pradhan was taken into custody shortly thereafter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda