The political opposition in Odisha has launched a sharp attack on the state police, alleging a severe failure in protecting women and children in the capital city. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday accused the police force of inefficiency and demanded immediate, stronger measures to curb what it calls a surge in sexual violence.
Delegation Meets Top Cop with Stern Demands
A delegation comprising women members of the BJD met with Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena to submit a formal memorandum. The document highlighted several recent, disturbing incidents of crime against women, putting the spotlight squarely on law enforcement's role. This move came directly after strong criticism from BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who targeted the police administration over two particularly harrowing cases.
The memorandum detailed the gang rape of a Plus II student by five men in the presence of her male friend. It also highlighted the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl, who is an aspiring data entry operator, by two men. The BJD's communication warned of a "deeply worrying pattern" of escalating crimes targeting women and children in Bhubaneswar. It explicitly demanded "prompt, victim-centric investigations" into all recent cases of sexual assault.
Police Response and Counter Claims
In response to the allegations, the police department maintained that it has been taking swift action. A senior officer stated that women's safety is a top priority for the force. The officer claimed that in every reported case, the perpetrators were promptly arrested. He further explained that all police stations have been instructed to treat such crimes with the highest priority and that patrolling has been intensified in areas identified as vulnerable.
A Growing Political and Social Concern
The confrontation underscores a growing political and social concern over safety in the state capital. The BJD's decision to send a women's delegation signals an attempt to frame the issue as a critical governance failure. By citing specific, brutal cases, the opposition party is applying significant pressure on the current administration and its law enforcement machinery. The demand for "victim-centric" investigations also points to broader concerns about the handling of such sensitive cases and the support provided to survivors.
This incident sets the stage for an ongoing debate about security, policing, and political accountability in Odisha. With the opposition taking a firm stand, the public and media scrutiny on how the police handle subsequent cases is likely to intensify dramatically.
