Why Did Naveen Patnaik Express Such Deep Anguish Over the Pattamundai Incident?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Naveen Patnaik's profound sorrow highlights the urgent need for justice.
- The tragic death underscores a disturbing trend of violence against women in Odisha.
- Calls for a Crime Branch investigation reflect community demands for accountability.
- Victims' pleas for help must be taken seriously by authorities.
- Systemic changes are needed to protect vulnerable individuals.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 7 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Naveen Patnaik shared his profound sorrow over the tragic death of a 20-year-old girl in Kathiapada village, located in the Pattamundai block of Kendrapara district.
In a post on the social media platform 'X', Patnaik stated, "It is with a heavy heart that I learn of another young girl from Pattamundai, Kendrapara who has tragically taken her own life in despair, as her cries for justice went unheard yet again."
The Biju Janata Dal leader expressed his condolences to the grieving family and prayed for divine strength to help them cope with this devastating loss.
"It is heart-wrenching to realize that in just a month, three young girls have lost their lives under eerily similar circumstances. Each fatal incident that extinguished these innocent lives reveals a troubling trend in Odisha. Three daughters of our land have perished in broad daylight because the indifferent administration ignored their pleas at every opportunity," Patnaik remarked.
He also highlighted the ongoing issue of such horrific crimes against women that are reported almost daily throughout the state.
"How many more funeral pyres need to illuminate the night before the state BJP government awakens? How many more mothers must grieve over their daughters before the BJP government takes action? This is a gross neglect by the state BJP government," Patnaik asserted.
Earlier in a press conference, the party called for a Crime Branch investigation into the tragic death of the 20-year-old and the allegations of police negligence brought forth by the victim's father.
The girl succumbed after setting herself ablaze at her home, allegedly due to blackmail from her ex-boyfriend.
Her father claimed that the accused had been blackmailing her with explicit photos and videos following their breakup.
Approximately six months prior, the victim and her father had sought help from local police regarding the issue.
However, the police reportedly took no action on their complaint and instead suggested blocking the boyfriend's number and deleting the inappropriate content.