Bhubaneswar, July 22: Odisha Leader of the Opposition and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the alarming surge in crimes against women across the state, urging the BJP-led state government to take swift and decisive action to restore safety and justice.
Highlighting recent incidents, Patnaik cited cases of rape in Jajpur, gang rape in Jagatsinghpur and Malkangiri, and sexual assault in Puri, calling the situation both alarming and heartbreaking. “Whether in cities or villages, women are no longer safe—even in broad daylight. A young girl heading to or returning from school cannot be assured of her safety,” he said.
Patnaik strongly criticized the breakdown of law and order in the state, blaming political interference in police operations for eroding accountability and putting women and girls at greater risk. “A collapsed policing system, guided by local political pressure, is creating an unsafe environment across Odisha,” he remarked.
The veteran leader also pointed to a recent Level 2 travel advisory issued by the U.S. Government, which listed Odisha among six Indian states requiring American officials to seek special clearance before traveling beyond capital cities. Despite the diminished Maoist threat, Patnaik said the advisory likely reflects global concern over women’s safety in the state.
Referring to the now-withdrawn Ravenshaw University directive barring female students from staying on campus after 5:30 PM, Patnaik criticized the move, stating it punished women rather than addressing the root cause of insecurity.
Calling for urgent and politically-backed police action, Patnaik warned against normalizing gender-based violence by allowing local leaders to meddle in police affairs. “BJD will continue to raise its voice for the protection of our mothers and sisters at every forum,” he affirmed.
