Bhubaneswar: Amidst a concerning surge in incidents of abuse and rape targeting women across Odisha, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today launched a sharp critique of the State’s BJP Government. The strong condemnation follows the alleged drugging and rape of a minor girl from a minority community in Berhampur by a prominent local BJP leader.
At a press conference held at Shankha Bhavan, Smt. Snehangini Chhuria, Senior General Secretary of BJD, accompanied by former MP Smt. Sharmistha Sethi and former State Women’s Commission Chairperson Smt. Lopamudra Buxipatra, asserted that the BJP, despite campaigning on promises of women’s safety, has presided over an alarming decline in security for women across the state. “The revelation of such a heinous act by a frontline BJP leader has unmasked the true face of the BJP,” stated Smt. Chhuria.
The accused, identified as Bhabani Prasad Das, operated a nursing home in Berhampur called ‘Vajpayee Clinic,’ where he allegedly posed as a doctor. It has since been revealed that he is not a qualified medical professional. The BJD highlighted Das’s significant connections within the BJP, noting his past roles as the BJP’s Berhampur City President and Vishwa Hindu Parishad Ganjam District President, and his current position as District President of the BJP’s Workers’ Front.
According to the BJD, the BJP leader allegedly lured the minor girl to his nursing home under the pretext of offering nursing training and employment. He then reportedly drugged and raped her at night. While local police initially appeared reluctant to register the complaint lodged by the victim’s family, their persistence and the threat of social media exposure ultimately compelled the police to register a case and arrest the accused.
“Bhabani Prasad Das, a prominent BJP worker, has been photographed with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and is known to be close to two district ministers, Mines and Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena and Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Minister Gokulanand Mallick,” Smt. Chhuria pointed out. The BJD expressed strong suspicion that given the accused had been operating the clinic for an extended period, many other girls might have been exploited. Furthermore, the party raised serious concerns about potential women and organ trafficking operations being conducted through the clinic.
The BJD is now demanding immediate and proper justice for the victim and has called for the case to be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a comprehensive probe. “If the ruling party commits such heinous acts while in the grip of power, then whom will the people trust?” questioned Mrs. Chhuria.
Smt. Chhuria concluded by reiterating the BJD’s repeated complaints regarding the alarming increase in rape incidents and the resulting insecurity for women in the state, emphasizing the government’s perceived inaction. “One after another, incidents of rape and gang rape are coming to public attention. With BJP in power, Odisha plunges into a dark era of crimes against women,” she asserted. “As a responsible opposition party, we warn the state government to take immediate and appropriate steps to protect women, otherwise the Biju Janata Dal will take to the streets.”