Former CM Naveen Patnaik expresses deep anguish over sexual assault on girls in Odisha

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) expressed deep anguish over a younger woman being subjected to gang rape close to temple in Puri District, simply 50km away from Bhubaneswar.

“It is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence in opposition to girls reported throughout Odisha. While the BJP leaders interact in theatrical show of concern, the predators prowl on broad daylight with impunity,” wrote Mr. Patnaik in a hard-hitting put up on social media platform ‘X’.

The five-time CM talked about, “the victims and members of the family of Gopalpur, Balasore, Balanga and lots of different victims who died in desperation are nonetheless ready for justice. Every time we heard similar rehearsed statements: ‘individuals’s authorities’ is ‘taking strict motion”, ‘guaranteeing girls’s security’ and ‘sparing nobody’.”

“The BJP administration of Odisha has failed miserably to create confidence within the system the place our daughters really feel protected, valued and heard—go away apart empowerment. If such a criminal offense occurs close to a highly regarded vacationer place, usually thronged by vacationers from the world over, it can tarnish the picture of Odisha throughout the nation and internationally,” he stated.

Mr. Patnaik stated the earlier the BJP authorities takes sturdy motion, the ladies of Odisha will really feel protected once more.

Also learn: 10 arrested in gang rape of 20-year-old lady close to Gopalpur seaside

Earlier, a 19-year-old school scholar in Puri was allegedly gang-raped close to a sea seaside on Saturday (September 13, 2025). An analogous gang rape had occurred on Gopalpur sea seaside in Ganjam district in June this 12 months, which triggered a nationwide outrage.

While two accused have been arrested, Puri district police have been trying to find different miscreants. The hooligans had tied the male pal and raped the woman in entrance of him. Two extra individuals had additionally assaulted her.

The woman reported the incident in police station on Monday (September 15, 2025).