Odisha Assembly Erupts Over Malkangiri Minor Rape Case
The rape of three minors in Balimela MV‑62 village, Malkangiri district, has ignited sharp exchanges in the Odisha Assembly.
The incident, which occurred on November 23, saw families lodge an FIR two days later. Police swiftly registered a case under the POCSO Act, collected forensic evidence, and arrested the accused on November 26.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan defended the government’s response, highlighting strengthened conviction rates in POCSO cases and a decline in crimes against women since the new administration took office.
He cited statistics showing rape cases down by 3.3%, acid attacks reduced by 66.7%, and dowry‑related crimes falling by 20.6%. The minister also pointed to the recruitment of over 9,000 police and fire personnel, women and child desks in all 649 police stations, 71 child‑friendly stations, and 24 special POCSO courts.
Opposition legislators, however, accused the government of indifference.
Congress MLA Ashok Das argued the case reflects a broader pattern of assaults, citing 2,933 rape cases and 8,270 abduction cases between June 2024 and July 2025. Other Congress and BJD members described women’s safety as a “mockery.”
BJP MLAs countered by accusing the opposition of politicising the issue, pointing to incidents of violence against women during previous Congress and BJD governments.
The debate underscores the political fault lines over women’s safety in Odisha, with the Malkangiri case becoming a flashpoint for accountability and governance.
