BJD Flags Rising Atrocities Against Tribal Women in Odisha; Submits Memorandum to NCST Seeking Urgent Intervention
Bhubaneswar, 19/03/2026:The Biju Janata Dalon Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in New Delhi, expressing grave concern over the rising incidents of atrocities against tribal women and minor girls across Odisha, and alleging police inaction and administrative negligence in several districts. The party highlighted a deeply disturbing incident that occurred on 12 March 2026 under the jurisdiction of Tiring Police Station near Bahalda Market in Bhinjhua village of Mayurbhanj district, where a 14-year-old tribal minor girl was allegedly molested and triggering widespread outrage among local tribal communities.
BJD leaders alleged that despite the seriousness of the crime, prompt and effective police action was not taken. When local residents protested and gheraoed the police station demanding immediate arrest of the accused, the police reportedly attempted to disperse the protestors instead of addressing their concerns, raising serious questions about accountability and sensitivity. The party further stated that the incident is not isolated, pointing to similar cases reported from districts such as Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Koraput (Borigumma), Lamptaput, and Sundargarh, which indicate systemic gaps in ensuring safety, justice, and protection for tribal communities.
The memorandum also underlined key concerns including delays in FIR registration, lack of timely arrests, insensitive handling of victims, suppression of public protests, and absence of accountability for erring officials. The BJD noted that such lapses violate constitutional guarantees under Articles 14, 15, and 21, as well as provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. In this context, the party urged the NCST to take suomotu cognizance of the Bahalda incident and similar cases, order an independent and time-bound inquiry including into the role of police officials, recommend immediate departmental action against those found negligent or complicit, and establish a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure accountability and timely justice.
The party emphasized that the prevailing situation has created a climate of fear and insecurity among tribal communities and called for immediate intervention to restore faith in the justice system. The memorandum was submitted by BJD leaders including Dr. Debashis Marandi, Dr. PriyabrataMajhi, Dr. Lenin Mohanty, IpsitaSahoo, GangadharHembram and NeelamadhavSabar. The Biju Janata Dal reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and security of tribal communities and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
