Within just ten days, five shocking rape cases have been reported from different districts in Odisha, raising serious concerns about women’s safety and law enforcement. The cases were reported between June 17 and June 25 from Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, and Keonjhar districts.

The most recent case happened on June 25 in the Karanjai area of Mayurbhanj district, where a young woman was allegedly gang-raped while returning from a temple. According to the police, three men stopped her and dragged her into a nearby forest, where they assaulted her. One suspect, Bikash Patra from Malarpada village, has been arrested. The police are still searching for the other two accused.

This is the fifth such case reported in the last ten days.

Shocking details of the five cases

  1. Gopalpur Beach, Ganjam District – June 17:
    A woman was reportedly gang-raped by ten men near Gopalpur beach. She had visited the beach with a male friend. The men tied up her friend and raped her. Police acted quickly and arrested all ten accused, who are currently in custody.
  2. Tentlapashi Village, Keonjhar District – June 18:
    The body of a 17-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree in a field. Her family said she went missing the night before. Police noticed injury marks on the body. The family believes she was raped and killed. A case has been registered, and investigations are going on.
  3. Baripada, Mayurbhanj District – June 19:
    A 31-year-old woman was allegedly raped in her own home by four men who were known to the family. Her husband filed a police complaint, saying the crime happened while he and other relatives were away. Police have registered the case and are investigating.
  4. Berhampur, Ganjam District – June 25:
    A 17-year-old girl said she was raped by a clinic owner who promised to help her study BSc (Nursing) and provide free accommodation. She trusted him, but he took advantage of her. Police have registered a case and are now looking into the matter.
  5. Karanjai, Mayurbhanj District – June 25:
    A young woman was returning from a temple when three men allegedly gang-raped her. One of them has been caught, and police are hunting the others.

The repeated cases of rape within such a short time have led to public anger and calls for immediate action. Congress MLA from Cuttack, Sofia Firdous, criticised the state government sharply. She said, "This is a matter of great sorrow and shame. The way crime against women is increasing in Odisha, within a year of the new government, it is a matter of great shame that even after such big incidents, the government is not showing any sorrow, nor is it taking any firm action."

She further added, "The law and order situation in the state is in a very bad state. There is no fear of anyone, whether it is the police department or the law department; there is no fear in anyone's mind because they are able to commit such a crime, and our government has not been able to take any action against the accused. If we don't take action, then what will we show people? Why will there be fear in people's minds?"

Odisha Police have confirmed arrests in two cases (Gopalpur and Karanjai) and stated that investigations are progressing in all five cases. However, the public and political leaders are now demanding stricter law enforcement, faster trials, and better protection for women across the state.

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