Bhubaneswar, August 7: Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik has voiced profound grief over the tragic death of a girl from Pattamundai in Kendrapara district, who allegedly took her own life by self-immolation after her repeated pleas for justice went unheard.
Now serving as the Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, Patnaik held the BJP-led state government accountable, condemning what he described as its gross negligence and failure to ensure women’s safety.
“Deeply saddened and anguished to learn that yet another young girl from Pattamundai has resorted to such a heartbreaking act out of desperation. My condolences and prayers are with her family during this time of unimaginable grief. May they find the strength to cope with this irreparable loss,” Patnaik posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He pointed out a troubling trend, noting that this marks the third such tragic incident in Odisha in just a month.
“It deeply pains me that three of our daughters have died under similar circumstances. These are not isolated incidents—they reflect a systemic collapse. The cries of these girls were ignored by an indifferent administration,” Patnaik stated.
Calling the situation a “shameful neglect” on the part of the BJP government, he questioned: “How many more funeral pyres must burn before the government takes responsibility? How many mothers must carry the ashes of their daughters before action is taken?”
The latest incident in Kendrapara comes after two similar cases—one involving a student of FM Autonomous College in Balasore and another of a minor girl from Balanga in Puri district. Both reportedly died by self-immolation following alleged injustice. The Puri girl, who was airlifted to AIIMS Delhi, succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
