BJD Seeks NCST Intervention Over Rising Atrocities Against Tribal Women in Odisha
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has raised an alarm over increasing incidents of atrocities against tribal women and minor girls in Odisha, urging the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to intervene.
In a memorandum submitted in New Delhi, the party highlighted a recent case in Mayurbhanj district where a 14‑year‑old tribal girl was allegedly molested near Bahalda Market on March 12, 2026.
BJD leaders accused police of failing to act promptly, dispersing protestors instead of arresting the accused.
The party cited similar lapses across Rayagada, Kandhamal, Koraput, Lamptaput, and Sundargarh, pointing to delays in FIR registration, lack of timely arrests, and insensitive handling of victims.
According to BJD, these failures violate constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 15, and 21, as well as provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The memorandum urged NCST to take suo motu cognisance of the Bahalda case, order independent inquiries, recommend departmental action against negligent officials, and establish monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability.
BJD leaders, including Dr Debashis Marandi, Dr Priyabrata Majhi, Dr Lenin Mohanty, Ipsita Sahoo, Gangadhar Hembram, and Neelamadhav Sabar, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the dignity and rights of tribal women, warning that fear and insecurity are spreading among tribal communities due to repeated failures in justice delivery.
