Leader of the Opposition and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Odisha government over the alleged mob assault on two fellowship workers in Rayagada district, saying the “heinous and barbaric” incident had brought shame to the state and raised serious questions about law and order.
The sharp reaction from the five-time Chief Minister comes in the wake of a shocking incident on June 16 at Kalyansinghpur in Rayagada district, where a young woman from Delhi and her Gujarat-based male colleague, both engaged in fellowship work, were allegedly half-stripped and brutally assaulted by a mob after being mistaken for child kidnappers.
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In a strongly worded post on X, Naveen said the incident had “shaken, shamed and worried” the entire state and expressed solidarity with the woman survivor.
Describing the broad-daylight assault as a “gruesome” and “hellish” act, he said the collective violence perpetrated against the young woman had raised profound questions about humanity and the dignity of society.
Questioning the state government’s response, the former Chief Minister asked why Odisha’s image had been allowed to suffer despite widespread outrage over the incident.
“Is this government and police administration so helpless? Isn’t ensuring everyone’s safety the responsibility of the government?” he asked, accusing the administration of displaying “numbness and inexplicable silence” over a highly sensitive matter.
Naveen also alleged that such official inaction only emboldens perpetrators of violent crimes and expressed concern that Odisha was increasingly facing criticism over atrocities against women and the deteriorating law-and-order situation.
Taking a dig at the BJP government’s development campaign, he questioned how it could continue celebrating the slogan, “Development’s Stream Across Odisha”, while such incidents were tarnishing the state’s reputation.
The BJD president also demanded immediate and stringent action against those responsible for the assault and urged the government to take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of women across Odisha, while restoring public confidence in the rule of law.
