Bhubaneswar: Women’s safety in Odisha has come under renewed scrutiny following two recent and deeply concerning incidents, prompting strong demands for swift action and impartial investigations from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The incidents, a horrific gangrape in Mayurbhanj district and an alleged minor rape case involving a prominent political figure in Berhampur, have sparked outrage and highlighted persistent challenges in ensuring the safety and dignity of women in the state.
Karanjia Gangrape Case: BJD Demands Immediate Arrests and Fast-Tracked Justice
A delegation of BJD leaders, led by Smt. Basanti Hembram, today met with the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Karanjia to demand urgent action in a brutal gangrape incident that occurred on June 25, 2025, in Mayurbhanj district.
According to reports, the victim was deceitfully offered a lift by two men on a motorcycle, who then took her to a secluded location where a third accomplice joined them. The woman was allegedly subjected to sexual assault by all three accused at a Dhaba in the area.
The BJD delegation expressed “deep shock and anguish” over the “barbaric act,” emphasizing its traumatic impact on the survivor and its erosion of public confidence in the law-and-order system. They demanded the immediate arrest of all absconding accused and a swift and strict investigation under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Smt. Basanti Hembram stated after the meeting, “We demand immediate arrest of all absconding accused and strict action to ensure justice is not delayed or denied. The safety, dignity, and justice for women must be a top priority for law enforcement, especially in tribal-dominated areas like Mayurbhanj.”
The delegation also called for the case to be fast-tracked, the chargesheet filed promptly, and comprehensive support—including medical care, psychological counseling, and protection—for the survivor. The delegation included Tanuja Mohanta, Chakradhar Hembram, Raisen Murmu, Kashinath Hembram, Abhishek Patnaik, Annis Manna, Puppy Prusty, Subhadra Marandi, and Namita Ghantiali.
Berhampur Minor Rape Case: Calls for CBI Inquiry Amid Political Affiliations and Grave Allegations
In a separate but equally alarming development, a BJD delegation met with the IG of Police, Southern Range, Berhampur, today, demanding an immediate CBI inquiry into the alleged rape of a minor girl by a doctor in the Baidyanathpur area of Berhampur City.
The delegation, led by Shri Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik, Smt. Tukuni Sahoo, and Dr. Rajashree Mallick, voiced profound concern over the gravity of the incident and the potential for undue influence due to the accused’s prominent political affiliations.
The accused, Dr. Bhabani Sankar Das, who operates a clinic in Baidyanathpur, stands accused of sexually assaulting a minor employee. An FIR was filed after the victim reported the incident to her family.
The BJD highlighted Dr. Das’s significant position as a functionary of an advisory committee under the Labour Department, Government of India, and his prominent role within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), where he has served as Berhampur City President and Vishwa Hindu Parishad Ganjam District President, and currently holds the position of District President of the BJP’s Workers’ Front. Furthermore, he is reportedly seen in photographs with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and is close to two state ministers, Bibhuti Jena (Mines and Transport) and Gokulanand Mallick (Fisheries and Animal Husbandry).
“The accused’s high-profile political links raise serious concerns about the fairness of the investigation,” stated Smt. Tukuni Sahu, Ex-Minister. She added, “We have received disturbing reports suggesting multiple instances of exploitation and possible links to human trafficking and illegal organ trade. Only a CBI probe can ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry into these serious allegations.”
Dr. Rajashree Mallick echoed this sentiment, stating, “A CBI inquiry is crucial to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation, restore public confidence, and deliver justice to the victim.”
The BJD delegation, which also included Mayor Sanghamitra Dalai, Dey Mayor E. Vivek Reddy, Ranjita Sahu, Ex. MLA Subash Behera, Subash Chandra Maharana, Sulochana Devi, Sanjit Panigrahi, Sujata Patra, Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, Mukunda Gouda, Sulakshna Devi Chairman, Anjali Swain, Rajeshwari Dora, T. Tripati Patro, Vesma Acharya Choudhury, Pramod Maharana and all Corporates of Berhampur Municipal Corporation, stressed the urgent need for the case to be transferred to the CBI to ensure impartiality and public trust.
Both incidents underscore the pressing need for robust law enforcement, transparent investigations, and comprehensive support systems to safeguard women and ensure justice is served in Odisha.