A chilling incident of gang rape near the revered Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri district, just 50 km from Odisha’s capital, has ignited widespread outrage and renewed debates over women’s safety in the state.
The assault, reported on September 13, involved a 20-year-old Dalit woman and her friend, who were allegedly blackmailed and attacked after failing to pay extortion money, according to an India Today report published today.
Former Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik took to X, expressing deep shock and accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of failing to protect women. “It is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across Odisha,” Patnaik wrote, citing previous cases in Gopalpur, Baleswar, and Balanga where justice remains elusive. He criticised the BJP’s “theatrical display of concern” and their rehearsed statements about “strict action” and “ensuring women’s safety,” which he claims ring hollow amid rising crime statistics.
Deeply shocked and anguished to know a young girl has been gang raped near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri District, just 50km away from the state capital.
It is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across #Odisha. While the BJP…
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) September 16, 2025
Patnaik warned that such crimes near culturally significant locations like the Maa Baliharachandi temple, 18 km from Puri, could tarnish the state’s image both nationally and internationally.
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