A Dalit student was gang-raped by local youths near Baliarchandi Temple in Puri, Odisha. Three accused have been arrested, while opposition leader Naveen Patnaik and other leaders have questioned the government's actions.
Puri: A shameful incident involving a Dalit student near the beach in Odisha's Puri district has shaken the entire state. The incident occurred in the afternoon near the Baliarchandi Temple in the Brahmagiri police station area when the young woman and her male companion were spending time near the temple. During this time, a group of local youths took their pictures and videos and demanded money from them. When they refused to pay, two youths gang-raped the student, while her companion's hands were tied. Police have arrested three accused in this case and are searching for a fourth.
Victim files FIR
According to police sources, the incident occurred on Saturday, but the victim filed an FIR on Monday evening. Puri SP Pratik Singh stated that the victim's medical examination has been conducted, and necessary evidence has been collected. The main accused include Shiba Sahu and Manoj Sahu alias Kalia. Kalia was arrested near the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border. A case has been registered against both under various sections of the BNS and the SC-ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. A third person has been taken into custody for assaulting the victim and her companion.
The police have stated that security and surveillance need to be increased in the area to prevent such incidents. Officials acknowledge the importance of regular patrols and CCTV surveillance at Baliarchandi Temple and surrounding tourist spots.
Opposition attacks on women's safety
Former Odisha Chief Minister and opposition leader Naveen Patnaik has bly condemned the incident. He tweeted that the incident occurred just 50 kilometers from the state capital and expressed deep shock. He targeted the BJP-led state government, stating that the administration has been completely unsuccessful in ensuring women's safety. Patnaik emphasized that the sooner strict action is taken, the sooner the sense of security for women will be restored.
Sanjay Das Burma, a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), also issued a stern warning to the state government. He stated that it is the government's responsibility to ensure adequate security at Baliarchandi Temple and surrounding tourist spots. Citing previous incidents, he mentioned that a similar incident occurred at Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district on June 15.
Arrest of culprits
The police have reported that the main accused, Kalia, was arrested near the state border, and the search for other accused is ongoing. Social media and digital evidence are also being collected during the investigation. The police have appealed to local residents to immediately report any suspicious activity.
SP Pratik Singh said that a special campaign is being conducted to ensure women's safety and prevent crime in the state. He warned that neither age nor social status matters in such crimes. All accused will be presented in court soon.
Local protests and demand for security
There is deep outrage in the local community due to the incident. Youths and women have protested on the streets, demanding swift action from the government. Social activists have warned that increasing surveillance at tourist spots is essential. They stated that education, awareness, and police-community cooperation are crucial to prevent such incidents.
This incident has proven that immediate concrete steps are imperative for the safety of women and children to prevent such shameful incidents in the future.
