Puri, Sep 16: A horrifying incident has shaken the coastal town of Puri, where a young woman was allegedly gang-raped in front of her male companion at Baliharachandi beach under Brahmagiri police limits.

The assault reportedly took place on Saturday afternoon when the couple had gone to the scenic spot to spend time together.

According to police reports, a group of three local youths approached the couple, tied the hands of the male companion, and forcibly raped the woman. The survivor lodged a formal complaint at the Sadar police station, following which a case was registered under FIR number 552/25.

The police acted swiftly and detained three accused individuals. The woman has undergone a medical examination, and further investigation is underway to determine the full scope of the crime and any additional involvement.

The incident has sparked outrage across the region.