A group of social activists has issued a joint statement urging the Odisha government to provide urgent advanced medical treatment and security to Chameli Ojha, a Dalit woman Sarpanch who was allegedly tortured and is currently hospitalized.
The activists, who visited Chameli on June 11 at Kendrapada Hospital as part of a delegation, claimed she expressed fears for her life and appeared terrified in the presence of police and goons involved in the alleged assault. They stated that she pleaded for immediate release from the situation.
According to the statement, Chameli Ojha, an educated woman from a Dalit family and a member of the ruling party, was allegedly victimized after she raised her voice against alleged irregularities and injustice by her party’s local MLA and the BDO (Block Development Officer). Instead of receiving protection, she became the target of a brutal attack by police and goons, the statement alleged.
The activists criticized the authorities for what they described as an “inhuman” approach, claiming that rather than delivering justice, the administration sent her to jail on false charges, depriving her of proper medical care. They expressed concern that the physical injuries and mental trauma she is suffering could push her into depression.
The joint statement described the situation as one resembling “anarchy” and appealed to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to order an impartial, high-level inquiry into the entire episode.
Key Demands:
• Immediate transfer of Chameli Ojha to a major hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.
• Adequate security arrangements for her protection.
• Prompt arrest of all accused, including police personnel and the BDO, based on her complaint.
The statement was issued by prominent social activists including Prafulla Samantara, Kalyan Anand, Dr. Biswajit, Debaprasad Ray, and Debi Prasad Prusty.
Samantara and Anand, associated with Lok Shakti Abhiyan, observed a day-long fast from 6 AM to 6 PM today in solidarity with the “courageous Dalit woman” and to press for justice.
The activists have vowed to continue their movement until the demands are met and justice is delivered to Chameli Ojha.
