Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) chief Naveen Patnaik, has expressed deep anguish and sadness over the death of a 20-year-old girl who set herself on fire in Kathiapada village of Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district.
The girl’s death has sparked widespread outrage, with allegations that she was driven to the extreme step due to blackmail by her former boyfriend.
Taking to the social media platform ‘X’, Patnaik wrote, “Deeply saddened and anguished to know that another girl from Pattamundai, Kendrapara has set herself on fire in desperation after her pleas for justice fell on deaf ears yet again.”
“It pains to know that within a month, three young girls have lost their lives in very similar circumstances. Each fatal flame that consumed these innocent lives indicates a disturbing pattern in #Odisha. Three daughters of our soil died in broad daylight because the apathetic administration failed to hear their screams at every turn,” added Patnaik.
According to reports, the victim’s father had approached the local police six months ago, but allegedly, no action was taken on their complaint. Naveen Patnaik condemned the incident, highlighting a disturbing pattern of similar incidents in Odisha. He demanded that the state government take immediate action to address the rising cases of crimes against women.
The BJD supremo extended his condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their strength during this difficult time. He also questioned the state BJP government’s response to such incidents, asking how many more lives would be lost before the government takes action.
The party has demanded a Crime Branch probe into the girl’s death and allegations of police negligence. The incident has raised concerns about the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in addressing complaints of harassment and blackmail.
