Bhubaneswar—A fact-finding team from the Congress Party has strongly criticized the Odisha government over an alarming increase in violence against women and children in the state. In a press conference on Tuesday, the team expressed their concerns about the government’s apparent neglect of these pressing issues.

Key Allegations Against the Government

Deepa Dasmunshi, who leads the Congress Fact-Finding Committee, expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s handling of security for women. She claimed that the Chief Minister has been unresponsive to the widespread suffering faced by women in Odisha, citing a surge in incidents such as rapes and reports of trafficking over the past year under the BJP-led administration.

Concerns Over Women’s Commission

Dasmunshi raised significant questions regarding the absence of the State Commission for Women, emphasizing the victims’ plight in a situation where there is no designated body to address their grievances. “Without a Women’s Commission, where should victims turn to report their cases?” she questioned, highlighting the government’s inaction in appointing a new commission.

Recent Incidents and Public Fear

The Congress team condemned a recent brutal gang rape incident in Gopalpur, voicing their alarm over the increasing number of missing women and children. Dasmunshi lamented, “Women in Odisha are living in fear. They are pleading for protection. We are heartbroken after hearing their stories.”

Government’s Disengagement

The team claimed that their request for a meeting with the Chief Minister’s Office was denied, further asserting that the government is dismissing the escalating concerns regarding women’s safety. “Despite the increasing atrocities, the Chief Minister remains unwilling to listen,” added Dasmunshi, criticizing the administration’s disconnect from reality.

Plans for Action

The Congress Fact-Finding Committee plans to bring these issues to national attention by discussing them in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. “We will address the situations surrounding gang rapes and violence against women directly with the President of India,” stated Congress MP Ranjeet Ranjan. She emphasized that despite having a so-called double-engine government, the state still fails to provide security for women.

• Every 5 kilometers, a woman is assaulted.
• Every 10 kilometers, a child faces abuse.

Ranjan emphasized the alarming rates of gang rapes and murders of minors, questioning the government’s indifference in the face of growing violence.

Congress Stands Firm on Justice

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Bhakta Charan Das reiterated the party’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and called for harsh penalties against perpetrators to deter future crimes. “Until the guilty are punished, this cycle of violence will continue,” he asserted, assuring that the Congress party will remain vigilant in its efforts to pressure the government into action.

Fact-Finding Team’s Journey

Formed on June 19 in response to the brutal gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur sea beach on June 15, the five-member Congress team traveled through Ganjam, Kandhamal, and Keonjhar districts over the last four days. They engaged with victims, their families, local villagers, and police officials to gather firsthand accounts of the situation.