In a disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns about women's safety in the Odisha capital, Bhubaneswar police arrested two men on Saturday for the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl. The crime reportedly took place at a rented house in the city on December 18.
How the Accused Lured the Victim
According to the police, the accused individuals allegedly deceived the minor girl by promising her a job. Under this pretext, they took her to a rented accommodation where they sexually assaulted her. A formal complaint regarding the horrific incident was lodged with the police on Friday, December 20.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena confirmed that a case was promptly registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Demonstrating swift action, the police managed to apprehend both accused within hours of the complaint being filed. "Further investigation is underway," DCP Meena added.
Swift Police Action and Political Fallout
The arrested individuals were produced before a local court, which subsequently sent them to judicial custody. Taking the gravity of the crime seriously, the Commissionerate police designated it as a ‘red flag’ case. This classification means that the investigation will now be supervised by the state crime branch to ensure a thorough probe.
This latest case follows closely on another alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar on December 10. In that earlier case, the police had arrested three persons.
The back-to-back incidents have ignited a political storm. Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, took to social media platform X to express his alarm. "When will the BJP govt wake up? Where has law and order gone?" Patnaik posted. He questioned whether the government, which he accused of playing "false charades of being the ‘people's govt'," is providing any safety to the citizens. He urged the ruling BJP government to become alert and take proactive steps.
Opposition Should Not Politicise: BJP
Responding to the criticism, BJP spokesperson Surath Biswal defended the administration's response. Biswal asserted that the opposition should refrain from politicising such sensitive incidents. He highlighted the police's promptness, stating, "Arrests are being made in these cases in record time, which was missing earlier." His statement aimed to contrast the current response with the law and order situation under the previous BJD government.
The case has once again put the spotlight on the safety of women and minors in the city, triggering a debate between the ruling and opposition parties over who is responsible for the perceived breakdown in law and order.
