Naveen expresses anguish over gang Rape of young girl, demands strong action

Bhubaneswar, Sep 16 (UNI) Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik today expressed deep shock and anguish over the gang rape of a young girl near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri district.

Taking to his social media platform X, Patnaik wrote, “Deeply shocked and anguished to learn about the gang rape of a young girl near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri district, just 50 km from the state capital.
“It is heartrending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence against women being reported across Odisha.

“While BJP leaders engage in theatrical displays of concern, predators prowl in broad daylight with impunity,” Patnaik said. Victims and family members from Gopalpur, Balasore, Balanga, and several other places are still waiting for justice.
“Every time, we hear rehearsed statements like ‘the government is taking strict action to ensure women’s safety and sparing no one,’ but the reality is different,” he remarked.

He alleged that the BJP government in Odisha has failed miserably to instil confidence in the system where daughters feel safe, valued, and heard, let alone empowered.

He further warned that if such crimes occur near popular tourist destinations often visited by international travellers, Odisha’s image will be tarnished nationally and globally.
Patnaik stressed that only the strongest possible action by the BJP government can restore women’s sense of safety in the state.

Meanwhile, senior BJD leader and former Brahmagiri MLA Sanjay Dasburma, in whose constituency the incident occurred on Saturday, said the crime has shocked everyone.
He informed that the victim is undergoing treatment in critical condition at a hospital.

Dasburma demanded that a police outpost or camp be set up in Baliharachandi.
He added that there have been repeated demands over the past two years to establish police
camps at major tourist spots.

“Earlier, we had also urged the DGP to set up a police outpost in Baliharachandi, where this shocking incident has now taken place,” he said.
The BJD leader also alleged that since the new government assumed office, cases of women’s
abuse have been rising, and even students and educational institutions have become unsafe.
Meanwhile, Brahmagiri police have arrested three youths in connection with the case and
launched a manhunt for the prime accused, who is still absconding.