Representative image.
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A gang rape of a minor girl in the city has triggered widespread controversy with principal Opposition Biju Janata Dal alleging that criminals are becoming fearless and the State government is steadily losing credibility.
The gruesome sexual assault on the minor girl had taken place on December 10. When the girl along with male friend were returning from Dhauli, a popular Buddhist tourist site in Bhubaneswar, three miscreants obstructed their path.
The male friend was brutally attacked and girl was dragged into an isolated place. The three miscreants raped her one after another while the act was photographed and video-graphed. When the girl narrated the incident in the family, a complaint was filed.
The city police arrested two accused while main accused was still absconding. Urmila Mohapatra, member of State Commission for Women, on Tuesday made a spot visit and asked the police to arrest the main accused. Police were asked to carry out daytime patrolling.
In social media site ‘X’ posting, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “the incident of gang rape of minors on the chest of Bhubaneswar is an issue that is extremely touching and distressing. Barbarism and anarchy have crossed their limits; the state capital is becoming unsafe.”
“Criminals are fearless, the government is losing credibility. The government’s incompetence in preventing crime is instilling fear in the general public. The BJP government’s failure to ensure a safe environment for women in the capital exposes its gross negligence and insensitive conduct,” mentioned Mr. Patnaik.
“The government must take strict measures to ensure women’s safety and curb criminal tendencies. The government should not react after the incident, but it must act proactively in preventing,” he said.
Reacting sharply to Mr. Patnaik’s post, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said, “people have not expected politicisation on the tragic incident like from a personality like of yours. When will you speak the truth? Swift police action and the arrest of the accused in this incident are the only truth. The government is move on the path of law, not the path shown by you. We would be happy if you had written the letter based on your experience.”
Meanwhile, Odisha government has assured that all arrests would be made and accused would be trialled in a fast-track court.
Published – December 17, 2025 05:07 am IST
