Bhubaneswar, July 22: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik today expressed deep anguish over the recent surge in crimes against women across the state.
Citing a spate of violent incidents, Patnaik painted a grim picture of the current law and order situation, calling for immediate government intervention and an end to political interference in policing.
“Today’s news about rape in Jajpur, gangrape in Jagatsinghpur and Malkangiri, and sexual assault in Puri… deeply saddens and horrifies all of us,” Patnaik posted on X (formerly Twitter). “A disturbing wave of crimes against women is gripping Odisha.”
The former Chief Minister's remarks come on the heels of multiple high-profile incidents that have triggered widespread public outrage.
Patnaik highlighted the increasing vulnerability of women in both urban and rural areas, stressing that even young girls commuting to school or tuition are no longer safe.
“Danger now lurks in everyday normal places,” he warned.
Patnaik blamed the erosion of law enforcement on political interference, arguing that when police face pressure from party leaders, their accountability diminishes — with devastating consequences for women.
“This surge in sexual assaults reflects a troubling erosion of law enforcement… women and girls pay the price first,” he wrote.
The BJD leader also drew attention to a recent Level 2 travel advisory issued by the U.S. Government, which listed Odisha among six Indian states where its employees must seek special permission to travel beyond state capitals. Though Odisha has seen a decline in Maoist activity and minimal terrorism, Patnaik suggested that the advisory likely reflects global concern about crimes against women in the state.
Adding to the controversy was the July 17 directive by Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, which prohibited female students from staying on campus after 5:30 PM. While the order was swiftly withdrawn following public backlash, Patnaik condemned the move as indicative of a broader, regressive mindset. “It punished women instead of targeting the real problem,” he stated.
Patnaik called for urgent and decisive action from the ruling BJP government, warning that inaction would only embolden perpetrators and further deteriorate public safety. “The political leadership must realise that allowing interference of local party leaders in police stations will only normalise violence across the state — especially gender-based violence,” he asserted.
Reaffirming his party’s stance, Patnaik vowed that the BJD would continue to raise its voice for the protection of women. “We will fight in every forum for the safety and dignity of our mothers and sisters,” he said.
