Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in a written reply to MLA Arun Sahoo’s question in the Assembly, revealed that over 37,000 cases of violence against women were registered in the state over the past 14 months.
The data paints a grim picture of gender-based crimes and mental health crises among youth.
According to the CM’s report:
- 9,181 cases of indecent behavior were registered.
- 2,933 rape cases were filed.
- 1,278 cases involved sexual harassment.
- 5,464 dowry-related torture cases were reported.
In a separate revelation, the Chief Minister disclosed that 22 students died by suicide in various government and private educational campuses during the last 15 months. Notably, four students from Rayagada and two female students from KIIT University were among the victims.
The statistics have sparked concern among lawmakers and civil society groups, prompting calls for stronger enforcement, mental health support systems, and gender sensitization programs across institutions.