Is there really no increase in crimes against women, as claimed by Odisha's Law Minister?
Synopsis
In a contentious debate in the Odisha Assembly, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan defended the government's record on women's safety, stating that crimes against women have not increased since the BJP took power. This assertion comes amidst growing concerns following recent incidents of sexual assault, leading to significant opposition reactions.
Key Takeaways
Law Minister claims crimes against women have decreased.
Recent incident of sexual assault in Malkangiri triggered assembly debate.
Opposition staged a walkout in protest of the minister's statements.
Government emphasizes victim support and justice delivery.
Statistical comparisons show mixed results regarding crime trends.
Bhubaneswar, Nov 28 (NationPress) A vigorous debate unfolded in the state assembly on Friday between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition parties, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, regarding the purported decline in law and order and the increase in atrocities against women in Odisha.
During a discussion prompted by the Congress party's adjournment motion concerning the sexual assault of three minor girls in Malkangiri district, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan claimed that the instances of violence against women have decreased since the BJP took power in the state.
Providing insights about the incident, Harichandan informed the assembly that a case was registered on November 25, involving one Niru Ray (45), who was accused of sexually assaulting the three minor girls on November 23 within a village under the MV-79 Police Station jurisdiction in Malkangiri.
After the complaint was filed, law enforcement registered a case and apprehended the suspect on November 26.
“From July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the total number of crimes against women and children has remained nearly the same compared to the preceding 15-month duration (April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024),” stated Harichandan.
He elaborated that during the period from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, Odisha recorded 40,947 cases of crimes against women, in contrast to 40,771 cases during the period from April 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
While juxtaposing the 15 months of BJP governance with the equivalent timeframe under the previous administration, he noted a 3.3 percent drop in rape incidents, a 1.9 percent decline in molestation cases, and a slight rise of 0.7 percent in sexual harassment cases.
The minister further observed that cases of women being publicly disrobed had diminished by 22.2 percent, voyeurism incidents remained stable, and acid attacks against women plummeted by 66.7 percent.
Moreover, he highlighted a 24.1 percent decrease in human trafficking of women, a 20.6 percent reduction in dowry deaths, and a 7.2 percent decline in dowry-related torture cases.
“Ensuring the safety of women is our highest priority. We focus on timely case registrations, thorough investigations, diligent monitoring of trial proceedings, victim compensation, mental health support, shelter provisions, and delivering justice to victims,” expressed Harichandan.
In the meantime, opposition members staged a walkout from the Assembly, voicing their discontent with the minister's response to the adjournment motion.
Point of View
It’s essential to approach this controversy with neutrality. While the government asserts a drop in crimes against women, the opposition's concerns reflect a broader anxiety about women's safety. It's crucial to scrutinize these claims with a focus on data, ensuring that public discourse prioritizes the safety and rights of women across the nation.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What claims did Odisha's Law Minister make regarding crime rates?
The Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan stated that since the BJP assumed power, crimes against women have decreased, with specific figures showing a decline in rape and molestation cases.
What recent incident sparked the debate in the assembly?
The debate was ignited by an incident involving the sexual assault of three minor girls in Malkangiri district, prompting the Congress party to raise an adjournment motion.
How did the opposition respond to the minister's claims?
Opposition members expressed their dissatisfaction with the minister's response and staged a walkout from the Assembly.
What initiatives is the government undertaking to ensure women's safety?
The government emphasizes timely case registration, thorough investigations, victim support, and justice delivery as part of their commitment to women’s safety.
