Public Anger Mounts as Women’s Safety Comes Under Threat

Odisha is witnessing a disturbing rise in violent crimes against women, including murder, rape, and assault. This surge in gender-based violence has sparked widespread outrage and political backlash against the newly formed Mohan Majhi-led BJP government. With growing concerns about law and order, the opposition, led by the Congress party, has announced plans to introduce a motion of no-confidence during the assembly session scheduled for September.

Statewide Incidents Shake Public Faith

Reports of brutal crimes against women have been pouring in from across the state — from Malkangiri in the south to Jagatsinghpur in the east, and from Ganjam to Baleswar and Puri to Kendrapara. Even the capital city of Bhubaneswar has not been spared, with incidents of late-night harassment being reported. These recurring episodes have deeply shaken public trust in law enforcement agencies.

Police Under Fire for Inaction and Delayed Justice

Law enforcement officials are facing strong criticism for their perceived inaction and failure to deliver justice. In a particularly horrific case in Balangir district, a girl belonging to a marginalised community was burnt alive. Despite the intervention of Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP), WB Khurania, police have failed to make headway in the investigation. Activists and experts cite a lack of fear of the police among criminals, absence of stringent punishment, and deteriorating social ethics as contributing factors to the spike in crimes.

Congress Seeks Political Unity to Fight Women’s Crimes

Congress PCC President Bhakta Charan Das has declared that his party is willing to collaborate with the BJD in demanding justice for women and combating the rising tide of violence. Das stressed that the government must move beyond rhetoric and take tangible action. As a symbolic protest, Congress has also called for a statewide one-hour silence in memory of the Baleswar student who died by suicide after his peer was harassed.

BJP MP Questions Administrative Efficiency

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra has also criticised the state government’s handling of the situation. Citing major recent cases—including the gang rape of a schoolgirl in Gopalpur, the suicide of a university girl in Baleswar, and the group rape of a minor in Jajpur—Patra argued that these events point to grave administrative lapses and ineffective law enforcement.

Call for Reforms and Compassionate Policing

Social worker Preetichanda Dhal has called for urgent reforms in the policing system. She stressed the need for a zero-tolerance policy to be meaningfully implemented, along with more empathetic handling of victims. Dhal also underscored the importance of awareness programs and proactive community engagement to prevent such crimes.

Zero-Tolerance Policy Under Scrutiny

The state government’s proclaimed zero-tolerance policy on crimes against women is being questioned, especially in light of its failure to produce results. Recent bureaucratic reshuffles, including changes in IAS district collectors and senior police officials, have not led to improvements in law and order in high-risk areas like Jagatsinghpur and Baleswar. Critics argue that unless experienced and upright officers are placed in key positions, public trust cannot be restored.

Tense Political Climate Ahead of Assembly Session

With rising political and public pressure, the upcoming assembly session is expected to witness stormy debates. Opposition parties are set to demand accountability, transparency, and swift reforms to address the spiralling crisis. As Odisha stands at a critical juncture, all eyes will be on the state government’s next course of action to ensure the safety and dignity of its women.