Back-to-back rapes in Odisha: BJD Supremo Naveen Patnaik lambasts govt; BJP responds

A series of rape cases in Odisha ranging from the Dhauli incident to the gang-rape of minor girl on the pretext of providing a job has raised serious questions about women’s safety in the state.  The situation has become even more alarming in Bhubaneswar, where repeated allegations of gang rapes in the Odisha capital.

Opposition leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik took to social media to criticise the BJP-led state government over the developments. Referring to the recent incidents, he said that even before the shock of the Dhauli gang rape case could fade from public memory, another brutal crime had taken place, leaving women in the capital feeling increasingly unsafe.

Naveen’s Tweet

“The state capital Bhubaneswar is becoming unsafe for women, and Odisha is once again disgraced. When will the BJP government finally wake up? Yet another minor girl has fallen victim to gang rape in Bhubaneswar in broad daylight—an extremely distressing matter. Where has law and order gone? Is the government, which plays false charades of being the "people's government," providing safety to the people at all?,” Naveen tweeted.

He further added, “The dust from the previous gang rape incident hasn't even settled in people's minds, and now another barbaric outrage has left the common public gripped with fear. Mothers and sisters in the capital are feeling deeply insecure. The BJP government's utter failure in ensuring a safe environment for everyone is glaringly evident.”

Also Read: Bhubaneswar Dhauli minor girl gang rape case tagged ‘red flag’; Crime Branch DGP to monitor probe

“Before the situation worsens further, the government must become alert. It should take proactive steps to strictly enforce security measures and implement firm and stringent actions,” he concluded.

BJP Hits Back at Opposition

Responding to Naveen Patnaik’s criticism, the BJP launched a counter-attack, questioning the opposition’s record during its tenure in power. BJP leaders asked how many concrete actions were taken during the BJD government’s rule to address crimes against women.

BJP leader Surath Biswal stated that the present government is taking every complaint seriously. He said immediate action is being taken on allegations as they arise and that accused persons are being promptly arrested.

Meanwhile, following the Dhauli Gang rape incident, The Twin City Commissionerate Police has placed the case under the ‘red flag’ category, a move that entails enhanced monitoring and supervision of the investigation into the crime that took place on the outskirts of the city.