‘Barbaric and Shameful’: Naveen Condemns Rayagada Incident

Bhubaneswar: Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Saturday strongly condemned the alleged assault on a Delhi student in the Kalyansinghpur area of Rayagada district, terming the incident “barbaric” and “shameful.”

In a statement, Naveen expressed deep concern over the incident, saying the alleged collective assault in broad daylight had shaken the conscience of the entire state and raised serious concerns over women’s safety in Odisha.

“This heinous and barbaric incident in Rayagada’s Kalyansinghpur involving a Delhi student has shaken, shamed and worried the entire Odisha,” Naveen said.

The Leader of Opposition said the incident had triggered widespread outrage across the state and urged the government to take immediate and stringent action against those responsible.

Questioning the state government’s response, Naveen asked why Odisha’s image was being tarnished and whether the government and police administration had become helpless in ensuring the safety of citizens.

“Isn’t ensuring everyone’s safety the responsibility of this government?” he asked, criticising what he described as the government’s “numbness and inexplicable silence”, which, according to him, emboldens criminals.

Naveen further alleged that Odisha was facing global criticism due to increasing atrocities against women and deteriorating law and order. Taking a swipe at the government’s development campaign, he remarked, “With what face are they celebrating and claiming ‘Development’s Stream Across Odisha’?”

He urged the government to implement the strictest possible measures to ensure women’s safety and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

The incident reportedly occurred on the night of June 16, when two fellowship workers, including a female student from Delhi, were allegedly attacked by a mob after rumours spread that they were child lifters.

Police have so far arrested 21 persons in connection with the case, including five individuals apprehended recently as part of the ongoing investigation, according to reports.