BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, on Tuesday, expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in crimes against women in the state and urged the BJP-led government in Odisha to take immediate and decisive action to address the issue and ensure safety of women.
Patnaik, who served as Odisha’s chief minister for five terms (2000-2024), expressed profound distress over recent incidents, including the reports of a rape in Jajpur, gangrapes in Jagatsinghpur and Malkangiri, and a sexual assault incident in Puri. Patnaik stated these incidents are “horrifying to all of us.”
“A disturbing wave of crimes against women is gripping Odisha. Both in cities and villages, the streets have become increasingly unsafe for women– in broad daylight and night,” the BJD president said in a post on his X handle (formerly Twitter).
Noting that a young student heading to school or college or returning from tutorial classes cannot be sure of her safety, Patnaik said that danger now lurks in everyday normal places. He called the rise of sexual abuse cases an indication towards a collapsed law and order system in the state.
“This surge in sexual assaults reflects a troubling erosion of law enforcement. When the various ranks of the police face interference and political pressure, accountability weakens — and women and girls pay the price first,” he stated.
Adding to this concern, Patnaik drew attention to a recent Level 2 travel advisory issued by the US Government, which listed Odisha among six Indian states where American employees must seek special approval to travel beyond capital cities.
Despite the decline of Maoist activity and minimal terrorism, Patnaik said the advisory likely reflects international concern over the safety of women.
Highlighting the now-withdrawn July 17 directive by Ravenshaw University in Cuttack which banned women from staying on campus after 5.30 pm, Patnaik remarked, “It reflects the mindset of imposing restrictions on women instead of providing them security. It seems more like a punishment for women than a solution to the real issue.”
“Without urgent and decisive police action and political will backing it, this problem will only grow. The political leadership must realise that allowing interference of local party leaders in police stations will only normalise violence across the state, especially gender-based violence,” Patnaik said.
“Allowing local party leaders to interfere in police stations will only normalise violence across the state – especially gender-based violence,” Patnaik warned.
He urged the state BJP government to act immediately to ensure the safety of women and restore their trust in law enforcement system.
“The state BJP government must act immediately to restore safety and rebuild women’s trust in the system sworn to protect them,” Patnaik said.
“BJD will continue to raise its voice for the protection of our mothers and sisters at every forum,” asserted the BJD Supremo.
