Gopalpur gangrape: Congress forms fact-finding team to investigate atrocities against women in Odisha

In wake of the recent gang rape incident at Gopalpur Beach in Ganjam district, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Thursday constituted a five-member fact-finding team to investigate the matter and assess the broader issue of violence against women in Odisha.

As per reports, the committee will be led by senior Congress leader and MP Deepa Dasmunsi. Other members of the fact-finding team comprise MPs Ranjeet Ranjan, Praniti Shinde, S. Jothimani, and Shobha Oza.

As per sources, the team is formed to assess the law and order situation in the state, particularly with regard to women’s safety, and submit a report in this regard.

"Our voice is being choked there. Though we staged a gherao around the Chief Minister's residence, there has been no answer and no ownership of their commitment that they had expressed during the time of their victory. Hence, we were forced to come to Delhi. As per our promise to every woman, our fight will continue and we will approach through every medium till we get justice," said Congress MLA Sofia Firdous.

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"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Odisha tomorrow. We want to ask him if he will hold discussions and show the right direction to resolve the issue. Will there be a proper investigation into the matter by showing proper commitment?" she asked.

"Women are not safe and secure under the governance of the Majhi government. Around 15 rape cases are occurring on daily basis," said All India Mahila Congress President Alka Lamba.

BJP hits back

However, the BJP refuted the allegations by Congress.

"They (Congress) were always supporting BJD as their 'B' team. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Odisha tomorrow, they have no political angle. Odisha is currently on the path of progress. Many women in the state have benefited from Subhadra Yojana. Congress has only planned to get political mileage. If they had to press for their issue, were the media in Odisha not reporting their voice? Then what could be the reason that the Congress leaders hold a presser in Delhi?" asked Odisha BJP Mahila Morcha President Aiswarya Biswal.