Child Witnesses Pregnant Mother’s Murder in Ganjam; Naveen Seeks CM’s Intervention

Berhampur/Bhubaneswar: In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves across Odisha, BJD President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging immediate action in the brutal killing of a pregnant woman in Ganjam district.

Expressing profound anguish, Naveen referred to a viral video showing a three-year-old child crying beside the lifeless body of her mother, calling it a moment that has shocked the conscience of Odisha.

The incident occurred in Kharida village under Hinjili assembly constituency on Tuesday. According to reports, the victim was allegedly hacked to death while staging a dharna outside her partner’s residence. She had reportedly been demanding rights and recognition for her daughter.

In his letter, LoP Naveen highlighted that the young woman was peacefully protesting when the attack took place, raising serious concerns about law and order and the failure of preventive policing.

“As Chief Minister of ‘the State holding the Home Portfolio, I urge you to direct Police to arrest all accused immediately. Also provide immediate state care, compensation and rehabilitation for the 3-year-old daughter who witnessed the crime and inquire why preventive action was not taken by police when the victim was sitting in dharna seeking justice”, Naveen wrote.

The BJD leader also questioned why no preventive action was taken despite the victim’s prolonged protest and appeal for justice. He sought a thorough inquiry into the matter and stressed the need for strict punishment for those responsible.

“I request your personal intervention to ensure that the perpetrators are punished as per law and such incidents are not repeated”, Naveen said.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with demands growing for swift justice and stronger measures to ensure women’s safety in the state.