'Gang rape' of Plus-II student in Odisha: BJP stages protest demanding justice

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday staged protests over the alleged gang rape of a plus-II girl student in Berhampur. 

The women leaders of the Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha staged a sit-in outside the SP office, alleging the involvement of the ruling party leaders in the case. They shouted slogans against the police and sought to know why three other accused have not been arrested yet. 

Police have arrested five accused and an attempt was being made to suppress the incident which had taken place on May 3, they alleged.

Aishwarya Biswal, president of the Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha said, "The incident had taken place on May 3, but the matter came to the fore on May 8. The rape victim should be given justice. Those who have been allowed to go scot-free are leaders of the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal, the student wing of the BJD.”

They warned of intensifying protests if justice is not delivered.

Berhampur SP Sarthak Sarangi said, "The BJP leaders demanded an impartial probe into the incident. The investigation is underway on  the basis of the statements of the victim recorded before the magistrate. Stern action will be taken against those involved in the incident. If any political leaders are found involved, none of them will be spared."