BJD Slams Odisha Govt Over Balanga Minor’s Death, Demands Rs 2 Crore Compensation

Puri, August 2(OT Webdesk): The tragic death of a minor girl from Balanga at AIIMS Delhi has ignited a political firestorm in Odisha, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accusing the BJP-led state government of a cover-up and demanding justice.

At a press conference in Puri, senior BJD leaders, including Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, Subhasish Khuntia, Uma Samantray, and Swapnarani Swain, lambasted the police investigation, alleging a lack of transparency and credibility. “For 15 days, there was radio silence on the victim’s condition. The police statements are inconsistent and suspicious,” said Das Burma.

Khuntia further claimed that the BJD delegation was denied access to the victim during her treatment, and criticised the Deputy Chief Minister for not visiting the family despite the incident occurring in his constituency. “This is not just negligence—it’s complicity,” he said.

The BJD demanded Rs 2 crore in compensation for the victim’s family and called for an impartial probe. The party also vowed to launch statewide protests until justice is served.

The incident has reignited concerns over women’s safety in Odisha, with opposition leaders using the case to highlight alleged governance failures and demand accountability from the ruling dispensation.