The death of Balanga’s minor victim at AIIMS Delhi has triggered outrage, with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) accusing the Odisha state government of mishandling the case and shielding culprits.
In a press conference held in Puri on Saturday, BJD leaders, including Vice-President Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, District President Uma Samantray, Rajya Sabha MP Subhasish Khuntia, and District Council Chairperson Swapnarani Swain, voiced strong criticism of the police investigation and the BJP-led state government’s response.
Das Burma questioned the integrity of the police probe, alleging that the state’s law and order situation has deteriorated, leaving women vulnerable. “The police have shown no transparency. For 15 days, no updates were provided on the victim’s treatment, and their statements lack credibility,” he said, demanding ₹2 crore in compensation for the victim’s family.
Rajya Sabha MP Subhasish Khuntia went further, accusing the BJP government of being complicit in the tragedy. “The state government has failed this girl. The police, under pressure, suppressed the truth,” Khuntia claimed. He revealed that a BJD delegation was denied access to meet the victim at AIIMS Delhi, despite discussions with doctors about her condition. Khuntia also criticised the Deputy Chief Minister for not visiting the victim’s family, despite the incident occurring in his constituency. “The BJD will take to the streets until justice is served,” he vowed.
The leaders expressed dismay over the lack of communication from authorities during the victim’s treatment and raised suspicions about the timing of police statements, including a tweet issued immediately after her death. The BJD has called for a thorough and impartial investigation, condemning what they describe as a “cover-up” by the state machinery.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread concern about women’s safety in Odisha, with the opposition leveraging the case to highlight alleged governance failures. As public anger grows, the BJD’s demands for accountability and compensation have put the state government under intense scrutiny.
