​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, December 16:The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has on Tuesday sharply criticised the Odisha government following the recent rape of a minor girl in the Dhauli area of Bhubaneswar, accusing the administration of failing to safeguard women.

At a press conference on Tuesday, senior BJD leader Snehangini Chhuria condemned the incident, stating that the government’s claims of being a “government of the common people” and its promises of women’s protection stand exposed. She highlighted the brutality of the crime, where a minor girl was allegedly gang-raped in front of her boyfriend, and questioned the state’s ability to deliver justice in such cases.

Chhuria pointed to alarming crime statistics, alleging that in the past 18 months, Odisha has recorded over 40,000 cases of violence against women, including gang rapes, assaults on minors, murders, and instances of victims being set ablaze. She argued that the rising numbers reflect a deteriorating law-and-order situation across the state.

Criticising the government’s priorities, she accused the ruling dispensation of focusing on renaming schemes and political optics rather than addressing public safety. Chhuria also expressed outrage over remarks reportedly made by a member of the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW), who suggested that mothers should restrict their daughters’ movements at night to avoid secluded areas. She described the comment as an admission of the government’s failure.

“If women are being told to protect themselves, then what is the role of the government?” Chhuria asked, stressing that ensuring women’s safety is the state’s foremost responsibility.

She warned that continued negligence could fuel widespread public anger across Odisha.

BJD president Naveen Patnaik had earlier criticised the government over the Dhauli incident, which occurred on December 10.

In response, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Paridahit back, accusing Patnaik of politicising a tragic and sensitive matter.

Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police confirmed the arrest of two men accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl near the Daya River bank under Dhauli Police Station. The incident reportedly took place when the girl and her boyfriend were returning home from Dhauli. The accused allegedly demanded money from the couple and, upon refusal, assaulted the victim.