Kalyanpur Mob Violence Incident: First of Its Kind in the State, Woman Stripped During Mob Violence
- Government Should Publish a White Paper on Steps Taken for Women’s Safety
- Once Known for Peace, Odisha Now Earns Infamy for Mob Violence
Bhubaneswar, 20/06/2026: Odisha, once renowned as a peace-loving state, is now earning notoriety across the world for corruption, mob violence, atrocities against women, and the deterioration of law and order. A glaring example of this is the inhuman assault on a young man and woman from another state by more than 40 people at Kalyansinghpur in Rayagada district. This incident demonstrates that the BJP government has completely lost control over governance in the state, alleged the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Sulata Deo and Senior General Secretary Dr. LekhashreeSamantsinghar strongly criticized the daily occurrence of inhuman incidents in the state and the government’s failure to discharge its responsibilities.
Smt. Sulata Deo said that while the state government is busy celebrating its two years in office through various events, inaugurations, launches of schemes, and large-scale publicity campaigns, its indifference towards serious and alarming incidents occurring across the state is clearly visible. The barbaric incident in Rayagada has shocked and disturbed the people of Odisha. She questioned whether Odisha still retains its identity as a peace-loving state or is gradually moving towards a path of unrest and barbarity.
She stated that anyone who has watched the video of the incident that occurred when a young man and woman, travelling from Daringbadi to Thuamul Rampur, mistakenly entered the Kalyanpur route in Rayagada district, would undoubtedly feel ashamed, disturbed, and deeply pained. The violence, inhumanity, and brutality seen in the video are extremely tragic and condemnable for any civilized society.
She further said that while law and order in the state continues to deteriorate day by day, incidents of mob violence are also increasing. The recent killing of police constable Soumya Swain in Balianta through a brutal assault, and the shameful behaviour displayed by more than 15 saffron-clad miscreants towards Tikiri Sarpanch Chameli Ojha inside the Mahakalapada BDO office, are deeply alarming. Similarly, the mob violence faced by a young man and woman from another state who had come to Odisha for education and were attacked on June 16 at Kalyansinghpur has tarnished the image of the state.
She questioned why the BJP Mahila Morcha workers, who had earlier organized a women’s outrage rally under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida, have remained silent on the inhuman incident at Kalyansinghpur.
Smt. Deo further alleged that the shortage of personnel in the police department has severely affected the state’s security system. At the same time, several senior police officers are reportedly deploying five to eight personnel for their personal and household work. She questioned whether the Chief Minister, who also holds charge of the Home Department, is unaware of this reality.She held the government entirely responsible for the Rayagada incident and stated that the travel advisory issued by the United States now appears to be proving true.
On the other hand, Dr. LekhashreeSamantsinghar said that Odisha had earned a good reputation during the tenure of Naveen Babu for upholding the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are God), but during the last two years of BJP rule, Odisha’s image has steadily deteriorated in the eyes of the world.
She said that the people of Odisha today feel that within just two years, the BJP government has pushed the state back by two hundred years. Women are being subjected to sexual assault even at major tourist destinations. People like Jitu Munda are being forced to carry skeletal remains to banks. Lives are being lost due to mob violence, yet the BJP government continues to remain in deep slumber.
Dr. Samantsinghar said that a young girl who came to Odisha to pursue her education is now leaving the state carrying the humiliation and trauma of being publicly stripped and subjected to mob violence. She asked what message this sends to the rest of the world.She further alleged that those engaging in mob violence have no fear of the police. Referring to an incident on the very first day of the BJP government taking office, she said that the son of the then Governor, a non-Odia, allegedly forced an Odia ASO to polish his shoes. Despite the seriousness of the matter, the government neither arrested him nor even registered an FIR against him. According to her, that incident emboldened criminals who now believe that no matter what they do, the government will not act against them.She questioned why the BJP government has adopted such a lenient attitude towards criminals. In contrast, she said, during Naveen Babu’s tenure, criminals would think a hundred times before committing a crime.
Dr. Samantsinghar demanded that the government publish a White Paper detailing the steps it has taken to ensure the safety and security of women. She stated that every ordinary woman has a moral right to know what measures the government has implemented for her protection.She further said that if the government is failing to discharge its responsibilities, then on moral grounds, the Chief Minister should resign from his post.
