Politics heats up over Chandbali minor rape-murder case; house of accused demolished

The rape and murder of a minor girl in Chandbali of Bhadrak district has not only triggered public outrage but also intensified political confrontation in Odisha. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) squarely blamed the State government on Wednesday for the incident, alleging repeated failures of police machinery.

Also Read: Bhadrak minor girl ‘rape and murder’ case: Prime accused nabbed, locals stage protest demanding justice

Chandbali MLA Byomakesh Ray accused the police of incompetence and claimed that such “heinous crimes” are occurring repeatedly due to “systemic lapses” in law enforcement. He held the state administration directly responsible for “failing to ensure public safety”.

“Illegal activities such as liquor sale, ganja and drug peddling are carried out every day at the particular place where the incident has occurred. Police administration knowingly remains silent over the illegal sale of contraband items. We strongly condemn the shameful incident that has occurred in peace-loving Chandbali constituency,” the BJD MLA said.

Responding sharply to the allegations, Deputy CM Pravati Parida dismissed the criticism and said the police are actively doing their job. She stated that accused are being pursued and apprehended at a rapid pace and has assured that the strictest possible action would be taken against those involved in this crime.

“Wherever such types of issues are coming to the police administration, accused are being arrested promptly. I hope that the accused in this case will be arrested soon. Besides, not only the State government, but also the society should work together; so that, such utterly brutal assaults on girls do not recur in the future,” the Deputy CM stated.

Meanwhile, anger boiled over on the streets as irate locals vandalised the house of accused in Ramapalli locality of Chandbali. The district administration carried out an encroachment eviction drive at the crime location using a JCB machine to remove illegal structures. Heavy police deployment continues to maintain law and order as investigations progress.

Reported BY: Trilochan Sahoo