Congress protests in Bhubaneswar over Gopalpur gang rape, slams BJP government

Bhubaneswar, June 18: The Odisha Congress staged a massive protest in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, demanding Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s resignation over the horrific gang rape incident reported from Gopalpur beach. The situation escalated when Congress leaders and workers clashed with police while marching towards the Chief Minister's residence.

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The march, led by Odisha Congress in-charge Ajay Kumar Lallu, senior MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati, Assembly leader Ramachandra Kadam, senior leaders Suresh Routray and Chiranjib Biswal, began from Congress Bhawan and headed towards the backside of the Secretariat where the CM’s residence is located. Hundreds of party workers joined the protest. However, they were intercepted by police at PMG Square and prevented from proceeding further. Several leaders and protestors were subsequently detained by the Commissionerate Police.

Congress leaders alleged that CM Mohan Majhi, who also holds the Home portfolio, has completely failed to maintain law and order in the state. They described the Gopalpur gang rape incident as a disturbing reflection of the current state of women’s safety under the new government.

Cuttack MLA and Congress’s lone woman legislator, Sofia Firdous, strongly condemned the incident, calling it “extremely shameful.” She stated, “This heinous act happened at a popular tourist spot on a holiday when 10 accused – including minors – gang raped a young woman and tied up her male friend. This shows the government’s utter failure. While the state is busy in promotional events, crimes against women are rising. Over 15 such crimes are reported daily. Gang rapes are becoming disturbingly common under this regime.”

Firdous vowed that the Congress would continue to fight for justice. “We will fight for the survivor and every woman who feels unsafe in Odisha. The government’s attitude is clear – they are indifferent. People now realize they cannot trust this government any longer,” she said.

According to police reports, around 8 PM on the day of the incident, 10 local youths — six adults and four minors — attacked the young couple at Gopalpur beach of Ganjam. While three of them allegedly raped the woman, the others restrained her male companion. The victims filed a complaint at the local police station after 10 PM.

Berhampur SP informed that swift action followed. “Seven suspects were detained immediately, and later the remaining three were taken into custody. All 10 accused — six adults and four juveniles — have been apprehended. While the adults have been arrested, the minors were produced before the Juvenile Justice Board. We are also seeking permission to try them as adults, as they are all above 16,” he said.

Meanwhile, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep condemnation of the heinous gang rape incident in Gopalpur, stating that strict and exemplary action will be taken against the perpetrators. Condemning the incident, the Chief Minister termed it as "highly deplorable and a crime against humanity." He emphasised that no perpetrator involved in this act will be spared, and the strictest punishment under the law will be ensured, the CM's Office said in a statement.