Are Rising Crimes Against Women Prompting Protests at Odisha DGP Office?
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Synopsis
In Odisha, the Indian National Congress has taken a stand against rising crimes against women, staging a protest at the DGP's office. Following tragic self-immolation cases, the party demands justice and accountability, calling for immediate police action to address these alarming incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Protest against rising violence: The Congress organized a protest to address the alarming rise in crimes against women.
- Call for justice: The party demands accountability and action from the police regarding recent self-immolation cases.
- Political influence on policing: Concerns were raised about political interference in police investigations.
- Urgent need for 'Zero FIR': Emphasis on implementing the 'Zero FIR' policy to improve women's safety.
- Community response: The protests reflect a growing demand for justice and action from the community.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 8 (NationPress) In a significant show of dissent, the opposition Indian National Congress organized a protest outside the Director General of Police (DGP) office in Cuttack, Odisha, on Friday, advocating for justice for the victims of three recent self-immolation cases across the state.
During a press conference, Bhakta Charan Das, the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC), revealed that the party had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state authorities and Odisha Police to apprehend three individuals accused of setting ablaze a 16-year-old girl from the Balanga region of Puri district on July 19.
The girl tragically passed away from her injuries on August 2 while receiving treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi, after a grueling 14-day struggle.
Das emphasized that the lack of police action prompted the party to stage the gherao of the DGP's office on this day. He stated, "Police must remain free from political influences and ensure that all suspects are arrested. If they continue to neglect this responsibility, we will escalate our protests to every police station in the state."
He further accused the police of attempting to protect the accused due to external political pressures and asserted that the rising incidence of crimes against women in the state can be attributed to inadequate responses to such incidents. In a letter addressed to the DGP, Das urged for an immediate investigation based on the testimonies of the Balanga victim and her family, demanding the arrest of all involved parties.
The party also pressed for accountability regarding the failure to lodge an FIR in a sexual harassment case involving a female student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, who had reported harassment by a faculty member. Following her unsuccessful quest for justice, the student resorted to self-immolation near the Principal's office on July 12, ultimately succumbing to her injuries at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar.
Additionally, the Congress party called for stringent action against a police officer who allegedly neglected a complaint from another girl, who died by self-immolation in Pattamundai, Kendrapara district, on August 6, reportedly due to blackmail from a former boyfriend.
Furthermore, the Congress emphasized the urgent need to enforce the ‘Zero FIR’ policy that was previously announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight that the rising incidents of crimes against women reflect systemic failures that must be addressed. The protests by the Congress serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the need for effective law enforcement. Our focus should remain on ensuring safety and accountability in our communities.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the Congress protest at the DGP office?
The protest was sparked by the tragic self-immolation deaths of three women in Odisha, highlighting the rising crimes against women and the perceived inaction of police.
What are the demands of the Congress party?
The Congress party demands immediate arrests of the accused individuals, accountability for police negligence, and the implementation of the 'Zero FIR' policy.
Who is Bhakta Charan Das?
Bhakta Charan Das is the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee and a leading voice in the protest against rising crimes against women.
