A heart-wrenching incident in Pattamundai, Kendrapara district, has triggered massive public anger and political uproar after a young woman reportedly took her own life following months of blackmail and cyber harassment by her ex-boyfriend. The case has raised serious questions about the role and accountability of the local police, particularly after it was revealed that they allegedly failed to act on repeated complaints.
Victim Suffered Months of Harassment
According to reports, the woman had been mentally tormented for several months by her former partner, who allegedly uploaded objectionable photos of her on social media and continued to blackmail her after their breakup. The situation became unbearable, ultimately leading to her tragic suicide.
Her father revealed that he had approached the Pattamundai rural police station nearly six months ago to file a formal complaint. However, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Shailendra Narayan Palei allegedly dismissed the case, suggesting the family “block the number” and “delete the photos” instead of registering a First Information Report (FIR). “This apathy from the police is what cost my daughter her life,” said the grieving father.
Political Leaders Demand Accountability
The incident has stirred strong political reactions. At a press briefing, BJD MLA Dhruba Charan Sahu and Opposition Deputy Chief Whip Pratap Keshari Deb not only offered condolences but also launched scathing attacks on the police for gross negligence.
“This isn’t an isolated incident. Over the past three months, we’ve seen similar cases. It’s clear that law enforcement is failing its duty,” said Deb, calling on Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to order a Crime Branch probe, as the Home Department comes under his purview.
Sahu questioned the delay in police response, stating it took them over four hours to act after the incident. “Why wasn’t an FIR filed earlier when the family sought help? Are the police more focused on checking helmets than preventing serious crimes?” he asked, demanding an inquiry by the Director General of Police (DGP) into the pattern of negligence.
SP Transfers Officer, Promises Strict Action
In response to the mounting criticism, Kendrapara Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kataria has transferred ASI Palei to the district police headquarters to ensure a fair and impartial investigation. He assured that he would personally monitor the probe and that stringent action would be taken against those found guilty of negligence.
“We are treating this matter with utmost seriousness. Allegations of police inaction will be thoroughly investigated,” said SP Kataria.
Autopsy Shifted to Cuttack for Transparency
To ensure a transparent inquiry, the authorities have sent the woman’s body to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for post-mortem examination. The autopsy, originally scheduled in Kendrapara, was shifted to ensure accuracy and impartiality. The report is expected to confirm the cause of death and clarify any further doubts.
Calls for Systemic Reform and Justice
This tragic case has reignited broader conversations about the safety of women, the handling of cybercrime complaints, and the need for serious police reforms. The victim’s family has accused the police of apathy, saying their inaction emboldened the blackmailer and pushed the young woman to a breaking point.
As the community mourns the loss, there are growing demands for justice—not just for the victim, but for better systems that respond swiftly to harassment and protect vulnerable individuals. Both public and political voices are now urging the state government to address these deep-rooted failures within the law enforcement machinery.
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