In the aftermath of a chilling incident in Puri where a minor girl was allegedly set ablaze by three miscreants, political tensions have soared across Odisha.
The Odisha Mahila Congress, led by State President Minakshi Bahinipati, launched a fierce protest on Saturday outside the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida in Bhubaneswar.
The protest, marked by tomato pelting and charged slogans, drew attention to the government’s silence and demanded swift justice. Bahinipati declared, “This is not just a crime against a girl. It’s a crime against Odisha’s conscience.”
The protest gained traction as several Mahila Congress workers surrounded Parida’s residence, raising slogans and calling for the resignation of officials responsible for women’s safety lapses. Tomato pelting — symbolic of public outrage — added intensity to the demonstration.
Police quickly intervened, detaining several protestors and dispersing the crowd, yet the political impact lingered.
The horrifying Puri incident has reignited discussions about the safety of women and children in Odisha, with social activists and opposition parties pushing for an independent inquiry. The Mahila Congress has vowed to continue its agitation until strict action is taken against the accused and the administration responsible.
