Bhubaneswar, Dec 16 (NationPress) The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has vehemently criticized the recent case of a minor girl being raped in the Dhauli region of Bhubaneswar, accusing the Odisha government of a total breakdown in ensuring women’s safety.

During a press conference, senior BJD figure Snehangini Chhuria stated that the current government, which pledged strong protections for women and branded itself as a “government of the common people,” has utterly betrayed those promises. She referred to the case, where a minor girl was allegedly gang-raped in front of her boyfriend, raising the question of where justice can be found amidst such dreadful occurrences.

Chhuria pointed out that in the past eighteen months, Odisha has seen a frightening surge in crimes against women, with over 40,000 reported incidents, including gang rapes, rapes of minors, murders, and even cases of victim burning.

According to the latest crime statistics, she asserted that thousands of rape incidents have been documented throughout the state, revealing a dire law-and-order crisis.

The senior BJD leader further criticized the government’s focus, claiming that instead of prioritizing public safety, the ruling party is preoccupied with renaming initiatives, political appearances, and trivial matters.

She expressed deep concern over comments allegedly made by a member of the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW), who reportedly suggested that mothers should limit their daughters’ outings to secluded areas at night for their own safety, which she deemed an acknowledgment of governmental failure.

“If women are advised to safeguard themselves, what is the government’s role?” Chhuria questioned, emphasizing that the state’s primary duty is to ensure women’s safety.

She cautioned that if conditions do not improve, public frustration will grow across Odisha.

BJD leader Naveen Patnaik had previously criticized the state administration regarding the alleged gang rape of the minor girl in Dhauli on December 10.

Meanwhile, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida firmly rebutted BJD president Patnaik’s claims, accusing him of politicizing a tragic and sensitive matter.

Importantly, the Commissionerate Police have apprehended two individuals on charges of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl at an isolated location along the Daya River near the Dhauli Police station area in Bhubaneswar. The incident unfolded when the girl and her boyfriend were returning from Dhauli on December 10.

According to reports, the assailants initially demanded money from the couple and, upon refusal, proceeded to assault the victim.