Jaleswar Tragedy Sparks Political Storm; Congress Seeks High-Level Investigation
Jaleswar, Odisha: The Opposition Congress has intensified its attack on the Odisha government over the alleged gang-rape and murder of a Class IX student in Balasore district’s Jaleswar area, demanding a Crime Branch investigation and announcing an eight-hour bandh on October 27.
A fact-finding team of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) visited Jaleswar and met the victim’s family, local police officials and the Balasore Superintendent of Police to assess the developments in the case.
According to party leaders, serious questions remain regarding the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Senior Congress leader Sudarshan Das alleged that the investigation had been influenced by political interference and claimed that multiple individuals may have been involved in the crime.
He urged authorities to examine calls received by the local police station between October 16 and October 22 and demanded strict action against officials found negligent.
Congress leader Dr Manisha Dash Pattnaik described the crime as a pre-planned act and questioned the state’s handling of the case.
She also criticised the government’s response and called for accountability at the highest level.
The party has demanded a Crime Branch probe to ensure an impartial investigation into the incident.
It has also sought compensation of ₹50 lakh for the victim’s family and a government job for her elder sister.
To press its demands, Congress has announced an eight-hour Jaleswar bandh from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 27.
Ahead of the shutdown, the party plans to organise torchlight processions and public awareness meetings.
Emergency services, railway operations and national highways will remain exempt from the bandh.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage across Odisha, with growing calls for a transparent investigation and speedy justice for the victim.
