BJD Demands CBI Inquiry into Alleged Minor Rape Case Against Prominent BJP Leader in Berhampur

• BJD Cites Accused’s Political Clout and Demands Unbiased Probe
• Grave Allegations Surface: Trafficking and Illicit Organ Trade Concerns
• Call for CBI inquiry to Ensure Impartiality and Public Trust

Bhubaneswar, 26/06/2025:A BJD delegation today met with the IG of Police, Southern Range, Berhampur, demanding an immediate CBI inquiry into the alleged rape of a minor girl by a doctor in the Baidyanathpur area of Berhampur City.

The delegation, led by Shri Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, Smt. TukuniSahoo and Dr. RajashreeMallick expressed deep concern over the gravity of the incident and the potential for undue influence given the accused’s prominent political affiliations.

Dr. BhabaniSankar Das, who runs a clinic in Baidyanathpur, has been accused of sexually assaulting a minor employee, with an FIR filed following the victim’s report to her family.

The BJD highlighted that Dr. BhabaniSankar Das holds a significant position as a functionary of an advisory committee directly under the Labour Department, Government of India. Furthermore, he is a prominent figure within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), having previously served as the BJP’s Berhampur City President and Vishwa Hindu ParishadGanjam District President, and currently holding the position of District President of the BJP’s Workers’ Front. It has also been noted that he has photographs with Chief Minister Mohan CharanMajhi and is known to be close to two state ministers, Mines and Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena and Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister GokulanandMallick, both hailing from the district.

As revelations of the involvement of influential individuals have surfaced through public and media reports, this case clearly warrants an impartial investigation by a central agency—preferably the CBI. Until the case is formally handed over, the state police must intensify efforts to arrest all remaining accused and ensure no one evades justice.

“The accused’s high-profile political links raise serious concerns about the fairness of the investigation,” said Smt. TukuniSahu, Ex-Minister. “We have received disturbing reports suggesting multiple instances of exploitation and possible links to human trafficking and illegal organ trade. Only a CBI probe can ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into these serious allegations.”

“A CBI inquiry is crucial to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation, restore public confidence, and deliver justice to the victim,” said Dr. RajashreeMallick.

The BJD delegation, which also included Mayor Sanghamitra Dalai, Dey Mayor E. Vivek Reddy, RanjitaSahu, Ex. MLA SubashBehera, Subash Chandra Maharana, Sulochana Devi, SanjitPanigrahi, Sujata Patra, Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, Mukunda Gouda, Sulakshna Devi Chairman, Anjali Swain, Rajeshwari Dora, T. TripatiPatro, Vesma Acharya Choudhury, PramodMaharana and all Corporates of Berhampur Municipal Corporation, underscored the urgent need for the case to be transferred to the CBI.