Bhubaneswar: Senior BJD leader and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday strongly condemned the heinous incident involving a Delhi student in Kalyansinghpur area of Rayagada district, describing it as a barbaric and shameful act that has shaken the conscience of the entire state.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his X handle, Patnaik expressed deep condolences to the victim and said the gruesome assault, allegedly carried out collectively in broad daylight, has raised serious questions about humanity and the dignity of women in Odisha.
“This heinous, barbaric incident that occurred in Rayagada, Kalyansinghpur, with a Delhi student has shaken, shamed, and worried the entire Odisha,” Patnaik said.
He added that the incident has triggered widespread outrage across the state and demanded immediate and urgent action from the government.
Patnaik questioned the state government’s response, asking why Odisha’s image is being tarnished and whether the government and police administration have become helpless in ensuring the safety of citizens. “Isn’t ensuring everyone’s safety the responsibility of this government?” he asked, criticizing the government’s “numbness and inexplicable silence,” which he said encourages such crimes.
The former Chief Minister highlighted that Odisha is facing global condemnation due to rising atrocities against women and rampant lawlessness. He contrasted this with the government’s claims of development, stating, “On what face are they celebrating, saying ‘Development’s Stream Across Odisha’?”
Patnaik urged the government to immediately implement the strictest possible measures to ensure the safety of women and restore law and order in the state.
It is pertinent to mention that the incident took place on the night of June 16, when two fellowship workers (a man and a woman) were allegedly attacked by a mob after rumours spread that they were child lifters.
Notably, police have arrested five more persons in connection with the case. With these fresh arrests, the total number of accused taken into custody has risen to 21.
