Biju Janata Dal Expresses Deep Concern over Safety of Women and Minors; Demands Immediate Impartial Probe and Stringent Action

Bhubaneswar, 15/06/2026: A press conference was organized today by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) regarding the rising crimes against women and minors in the state. Ipsita Sahoo, President of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal, Bharati Singh, Vice President of Biju Mahila Janata Dal, and Smt. Minati Behera, former Chairperson of the State Commission for Women, were present on the occasion. During the conference, the party expressed deep concern over the alleged gang-rape of a 13-year-old minor girl in the Rairangpur area of Mayurbhanj district and the Chameli Ojha incident in Kendrapara district.
Speaking at the event, Biju Chhatra Janata Dal President Ipsita Sahoo stated that while the state government is busy celebrating its two-year anniversary and promotions, the law and order situation is deteriorating day by day. She emphasized that development does not happen by changing colors, changing names, unveiling plaques, and putting up large hoardings, adding that the safety of women and minors should be the biggest success of any government. She further noted that such a heinous incident during a festive and joyous time like Raja Parba has deeply shocked the people of Odisha and raised serious questions about the government’s responsibility toward the protection of women and children.
Adding to the discourse, Biju Mahila Janata Dal Vice President Bharati Singh remarked that during the two-year tenure of this government, the sense of safety and confidence among women has diminished. She pointed out that while the government talks about women empowerment on one hand, incidents of crime and atrocities against women and minors are continuously rising on the other. To counter this, she emphasized the urgent need for the effective implementation of the Nirbhaya Fund, One Stop Centers, and various awareness programs.
Former Chairperson of the State Commission for Women, Smt. Minati Behera, placed a series of strong demands before the administration. She demanded an immediate and impartial investigation into the Rairangpur incident, along with advanced medical treatment, psychological counseling, and necessary financial assistance for the victim. Furthermore, she insisted on the strictest legal action against the culprits and called for fast-track courts to be made more active for the speedy trial of cases involving crimes against women and minors. She also stressed that the proper utilization of all schemes and funds meant for the safety of women and children must be ensured immediately.
In conclusion, the Biju Janata Dal made it clear that no negligence regarding the safety, dignity, and justice for women will be tolerated. Under the leadership of Shri Naveen Patnaik, the party officially announced that it will further intensify its agitation across Odisha on this critical issue.