Odisha: Why Did Congress Protest Over the Gang Rape of a College Student?
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Synopsis
In a shocking incident, the Congress party protested in Bhubaneswar over the gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur beach. This demonstration turned violent as police intervened, leading to arrests of several Congress leaders. The rising violence against women in Odisha has raised serious concerns about safety and law enforcement in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The protest highlighted the urgent need for women's safety in Odisha.
- Violence against women is a growing concern in the state.
- Congress leaders are demanding accountability from the government.
- All ten accused in the gang rape have been arrested.
- The Odisha Crime Branch is actively investigating the case.
Bhubaneswar, June 18 (NationPress) A confrontation erupted on Wednesday between Congress party members and Odisha Police near the residence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneswar during a demonstration by the opposition regarding the gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur sea beach in Ganjam district, which occurred on June 15.
The conflict arose after the Odisha Police obstructed the Congress protestors and leaders who were trying to march towards Majhi's residence to stage a gherao in response to the Gopalpur gang rape incident.
Numerous Congress leaders, including State in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu, Congress Legislative Party leader Ramchandra Kadam, MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Ashok Das, Sudhanshu Shekhar Dev, Youth State President Ranjit Patra, NSUI State President Udit Pradhan, and others were subsequently arrested by the police.
“No words are adequate to express the outrage over the brutalities inflicted upon a female student by ten individuals in Gopalpur, Odisha. Incidents of violence against women continue to escalate in Odisha. In a state where the Chief Minister himself acknowledged that approximately 44,000 women and children have gone missing over the last five years, it is a grave injustice to women when their safety is not prioritized,” criticized Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on her ‘X’ handle.
Senior Congress leader and state-in-charge Lallu demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Majhi for his failure to maintain law and order in the region.
The Crime Against Women and Children Wing of the Odisha Crime Branch visited Gopalpur police station on Wednesday to initiate an investigation into this heinous crime, inspecting the crime scene.
Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania instructed that the case be classified as a Red Flag and that the investigation be conducted under the direct supervision of IG of Police, CAW&CW Shyni S. The Commerce and Transport department minister and Gopalpur MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, along with Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M, visited the crime scene on Wednesday.
He promised swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. Notably, the Berhampur police apprehended all ten accused, including four juveniles mentioned in the FIR filed by the victim.
According to police reports, the accused overpowered the victim and her boyfriend at Gopalpur beach on Sunday evening, leading to the gang rape.
Point of View
It is essential to acknowledge the gravity of violence against women in our society. The protest led by Congress in Odisha reflects a growing frustration with the government's handling of such issues. It is crucial to ensure that the voices of the victims are heard and that justice prevails. The safety of women must be a priority, and the authorities must be held accountable for lapses in law and order.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the Congress protest in Odisha?
The protest was triggered by the gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur beach, which occurred on June 15. Members of the Congress party demanded justice and accountability from the government.
What happened during the protest?
A scuffle broke out between Congress workers and Odisha Police when the police stopped the protestors from marching towards Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's residence. Several Congress leaders were arrested.
What are the police doing in response to the incident?
The Crime Against Women and Children Wing of the Odisha Crime Branch has initiated a probe into the incident, and all ten accused, including juveniles, have been arrested.
What are the concerns raised by Congress leaders?
Congress leaders have raised concerns about the rising violence against women in Odisha and have called for the resignation of Chief Minister Majhi for his failure to maintain law and order.
What actions have been promised by the authorities?
Authorities, including the Odisha DGP, have assured that the case will be treated seriously and that exemplary action will be taken against the perpetrators.
