Woman gang-raped in Odisha's Puri, male friend thrashed after extortion bid

A shocking incident is reported from the tourist destination of Mabali Harachandi in Brahmagiri, Puri, where a young woman from Mysore was allegedly gang-raped near a temple. The crime occurred after the victim and her male friend were reportedly filmed, blackmailed, and extorted by a group of men. The assailants allegedly took Rs 3,500 from the couple before demanding more money. When they refused to pay further, the woman's friend was thrashed, and she was allegedly sexually assaulted by the group in front of him. While three accused have been taken into custody, the prime suspect, identified as Shiv Prasad Sahu, remains at large. According to the SP of Puri, authorities are "leaving no stone unturned to get the prime accused." The incident has raised questions about the safety and security of women in Odisha.