Bhubaneswar, June 18: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday strongly condemned the shameful incident of gang-rape of a woman on Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district and vowed that strict and exemplary action would be taken against all the accused.
Calling the incident deeply condemnable and a crime against humanity, CM Majhi assured that no one involved in the incident would be spared, and the guilty would face the harshest punishment possible under the law.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, upon learning of the incident, Majhi immediately ordered the arrest of the suspects. Following his instructions, the local police have arrested 10 individuals.
Majhi emphasized that anyone connected to the crime, whether directly or indirectly, would be arrested, and strict actions would be taken against them.
The state government faced criticism after the shocking incident was reported on Monday.
The principal opposition party Biju Janata Dal (BJD) sharply criticized the state government over the incident.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik condemned the incident and wrote on ‘X’, “The news reports regarding the gang rape at the Gopalpur beach, a leading tourist destination of Odisha, is extremely sensitive and has deeply shaken everyone. I strongly condemn this heinous incident.”
He further added that following Gopalpur gang rape incident, questions are raised over the security of women in tourist places in the state.
“The government should remain vigilant to stop rising cases of atrocities against women. The government should take strong steps to ensure the safety and security of women in the state,” wrote Patnaik.
