Gopalpur gangrape case: Congress workers attempt to gherao Odisha CM’s residence in Bhubaneswar

Tension erupted in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday as Congress workers attempted to gherao the official residence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, protesting the alleged gangrape of a woman at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district on June 15.

Acting on the instructions of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das, hundreds of party workers took to the streets, demanding justice for the survivor and immediate action against the accused. 

The protestors, shouting slogans against the BJP-led state government, marched towards the CM’s residence in a bid to lay siege to it.

Security Beefed Up

Heavy police deployment was seen near the CM’s residence to prevent any untoward incident. Barricades were set up, and several agitators were detained as they tried to break through police lines. Despite the security restrictions, senior Congress leaders and a large number of workers participated in the protest.

Congress Slams Government Inaction

“The Chief Minister's silence is disturbing. Law and order have collapsed in Odisha. We will continue to protest until the survivor gets justice,” said a Congress leader at the protest site.

The Congress has demanded stringent action against the accused, compensation and medical support for the survivor, and stricter enforcement of women’s safety measures across the state.

Read more details: Gopalpur gangrape: Crime Branch begins probe, patrolling teams deployed

Gopalpur Rape Case

A young woman was allegedly gangraped on Sunday. The crime triggered widespread outrage across the state, with opposition parties accusing the ruling government of failing to ensure women’s safety. 

As many as 10 persons, including four minors, have been arrested so far in connection with the case.