TV
A surge in crimes against women across Odisha has raised urgent concerns over women’s safety, with chilling incidents from Balasore to Puri placing the law and order situation in the state under sharp scrutiny. According to data presented in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, a staggering 18,000 serious cases of crimes against women were registered in the last eight months.
Out of these, 17,021 cases remain under trial, while charge sheets have been filed in 738 cases. Just 217 cases have been disposed of, and the final report has been submitted for 25 cases.
In July alone, cases like the FM College harassment tragedy and the recent case of a minor girl being set on fire in Puri’s Balanga have fuelled widespread public anxiety.
Unfortunately, despite an intense media spotlight on crimes against women in the wake of the FM College tragedy, such cases continue unabated. Reports of assault, abuse, and physical misbehaviour have surfaced from Jagatsinghpur, Malkangiri, and Puri in the last 24 hours, triggering sharp concerns.
Crime Against Women In Odisha: Experts Weigh In
In the wake of such rising incidents, former Odisha Police DGP Bipin Behari Mishra stated that under-reporting or non-reporting of such matters has added to the woes of law enforcement.
“The police need information. Reporting of such matters in a prompt and timely manner will ensure that justice is served rightfully, and the accused are nabbed before they make a move. Unfortunately, many people hide the facts, fearing social stigma. This is one grave issue plaguing a fair and swift probe,” he said in an interaction with OTV.
Similarly, women's rights activist Pritichanda Dhal asserted that social stigma is still a persistent issue in Odisha.
“Whenever a victim of abuse or a rape survivor comes forward to lodge a complaint, people immediately start assassinating their character. It forms too large a barrier for such crimes to be reported,” she said.
Government Under Pressure, Opposition Seeks Answers
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized on the figures and recent cases to corner the government, alleging that ‘zero tolerance’ claims have not translated into meaningful action on the ground. They cite poor conviction rates, inadequate police reform, and delays in charge sheet filing as key failures.
Despite the state’s assertions that swift action is being taken and special attention is being given to sensitive cases, critics argue that crimes against women are no longer isolated incidents but symptoms of deeper institutional neglect.
Regardless, survivors and their families continue to face trauma while crimes against women rise. However, the state government, as well as the Odisha Police, has assured that stringent measures will be followed to curb this rise in crimes against women.
