Deeply shocked and anguished: Odisha LoP Naveen Patnaik on Puri gang-rape

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik expressed his deep shock and anguish over the sensational gang-rape case occurred near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri district.

Taking to his X handle, Patnaik also alleged that the BJP administration of Odisha has failed miserably to create confidence in the system.

“Deeply shocked and anguished to know a young girl has been gang raped near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri District, just 50km away from the state capital,” Patnaik said.

“It is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across #Odisha. While the BJP leaders engage in theatrical display of concern, the predators prowl on broad daylight with impunity. The victims and family members of Gopalpur, Baleswar, Balanga and many other victims who died in desperation are still waiting for justice. Every time we heard same rehearsed statements: “people’s government” is “taking strict action”, “ensuring women’s safety” and “sparing no one,” he added.

The former Odisha CM further said, “The BJP administration of Odisha has failed miserably to create confidence in the system where our daughters feel safe, valued and heard–leave aside empowerment. If such a crime happens near a very popular tourist place, often thronged by tourists from across the world, it will tarnish the image of #Odisha within the country and internationally. The sooner BJP Govt takes strongest action, women of Odisha will feel safe again.”

Notably, a young girl was sexually assaulted by a group of men on Friday near the Baliharchandi temple in Brahmagiri of Puri district when she had gone with her male friend in the afternoon to visit the shrine.

Police initiated a probe into the matter following a complaint lodged by the girl and arrested four accused youths of Chandiput village and forwarded them to the court. Further probe into the matter is underway.