"BJP leaders engage in theatrical display of concern": Naveen Patnaik slams Odisha govt over gangrape incident in Puri

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], September 16 (ANI): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday slammed the BJP government in the state over the alleged gang rape near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri District, saying that it is heart-rending to witness “horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across Odisha”.

Patnaik, a former Chief Minister, said while the BJP leaders engage in “theatrical display of concern, the predators prowl on broad daylight with impunity”.

He demanded strict action against the guilty.

“Deeply shocked and anguished to know a young girl has been gang raped near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri District, just 50km away from the state capital. It is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across #Odisha. While the BJP leaders engage in theatrical display of concern, the predators prowl on broad daylight with impunity,” Patnaik said in a post on X.

He said the victims and family members of Gopalpur, Baleswar, Balanga and many other victims who died in desperation are still waiting for justice.

“Every time we heard same rehearsed statements: ‘people’s government’ is ‘taking strict action’, ‘ensuring women’s safety’ and ‘sparing no one’. The BJP administration of Odisha has failed miserably to create confidence in the system where our daughters feel safe, valued and heard–leave aside empowerment,” Patnaik said.

“If such a crime happens near a very popular tourist place, often thronged by tourists from across the world, it will tarnish the image of #Odisha within the country and internationally. The sooner the BJP Govt takes the strongest action, women of Odisha will feel safe again,” he added.

A young woman was allegedly gang-raped at Baliharchandi Peeth in Puri. Police officials said two persons have been arrested in the case.

A young man and a young woman had visited Baliharchandi, a tourist destination, when four youths from the local Chandiput village took their photos and blackmailed them. The young woman was later allegedly assaulted by them.

Earlier on Tuesday, District Collector Divya Jyoti Parida said that an inquiry was underway and legal steps would follow.

“An inquiry is going on. The police will take required legal steps after inquiry,” Parida told ANI. (ANI)

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