A spate of brutal crimes against women and a growing challenge to the rule of law by emboldened criminals have cast a long shadow over the Mohan Majhi government’s celebrations marking its first year in office in Odisha.
Both the Congress and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) have intensified their attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, alleging a breakdown of law and order in Odisha.
Even as preparations peaked for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit on June 20, a gang rape incident on June 15 sparked massive outrage in the State. A college student visiting Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district was allegedly gang-raped, filmed, and threatened by her attackers.
Condemning the incident, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the Majhi government of failing to ensure the safety of women. Although Berhampur police arrested 10 suspects, public anger did not subside.
The All India Congress Committee (AICC) constituted a fact-finding team led by senior party leader Deepa Dasmunsi to assess the situation on the ground.
