Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday expressed concern over the safety of women in the state and said that a “disturbing” wave of crimes against women was “catching” the state. Patanayak said that recent increase in sexual attacks reflects a worrying decline in law enforcement.
The BJD chief wrote in a post on X, “Today reports of rape in Jajpur, gang rape in Jagatsinghpur and Malkangiri and sexual harassment in Puri are very sad and frightened by all of us. A disturbing wave of crimes against women is holding Odisha.”
He said that the roads of the state are becoming “rapid” for women in both cities and villages. Patanayak wrote, “Roads in both cities and villages are becoming insecure for women at daylight and night. No young student can be sure about her safety. Now no young student can be sure about her safety. The growth law reflects the worrying decrease in enforcement. “
He alleged that personnel working in various police posts have to face intervention and political pressure, due to which women and girls first have to pay the price.
The BJD chief wrote, “When the personnel working in various police positions have to face intervention and political pressure, the accountability weakens – and the price is first paid to women and girls.”
He added, “Increasing this concern further, the US government issued a level 2 travel consultation last month, which includes Odisha in six Indian states where American employees will have to take special permission to travel ahead of the capital cities. Although Maoist activities in the state have decreased and terrorism is also minimal, it is probably probably showing concerns against women.”
He further wrote, “The instructions issued by the University of Revenshw University in Cuttack on July 17 – in which the women were banned from staying in the premises after 5:30 pm – although it was withdrawn after public outrage, but this order exposed a mentality that insists on banning public places instead of making public places safe for women.”
He said that this problem would increase without immediate and decisive police action and political will. Especially gender -based violence will be normal.
The BJD chief said that the party will continue to raise voice for the safety of “mothers and sisters” on every platform. The comment came after a series of crimes recently revealed in the state. On Monday, the Odisha police said a 15 -year -old girl in Jajpur district of Odisha was allegedly raped by three people, including her two hockey coaches.
Government lawyer Rajib Mohanty said, “The incident happened on the evening of July 3, when the victim was going home on a bicycle after training from Jajpur Hockey Training Center. The two trainers of the hockey center and their cooperation asked the victim to go with them aside. The 15 -year -old victim went to a lodge with them.” She further told that the victim’s mother informed the police and reported to the police officer.
The victim told her mother that the three raped her there. His mother informed the Sports Officer of Jajpur. On July 20, the victim lodged a police complaint. A case was registered under sections of BNS and Poxo Act.
Mohanty said, “Today the victim was brought to the Poxo Court and her statement was recorded … No accused has been arrested yet.”
