Congress Launches Investigation into Rising Atrocities Against Women in Odisha

In light of a recent gang rape incident in Gopalpur, Odisha, Congress has formed a five-member fact-finding team to investigate the rising violence against women in the state. The team, led by Deepa Dasmunshi, aims to address the alarming statistics of missing women and the lack of justice for victims. Congress leaders have voiced their concerns over the government's inaction and called for accountability to ensure the safety and dignity of women. This initiative comes amid growing criticism of the BJP-led state government following the disturbing incident.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 19, 2025, 20:47 IST

Congress Responds to Alarming Incidents in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In response to the recent gang rape of a college student in Gopalpur, Ganjam district, the Congress party has dispatched a five-member fact-finding team to Odisha. This initiative aims to investigate the alarming rise in violence against women in the state over recent years.

An official statement from the AICC on Thursday highlighted the urgency of the situation, citing the disturbing increase in reported atrocities and the thousands of women who have gone missing in Odisha.

Deepa Dasmunshi, a prominent Congress leader, will lead the committee, which includes three female MPs: Ranjeet Ranjan, Praniti Shinde, and S. Jothimani, along with senior leader Shobha Oza.

On the same day, Congress held a press conference in the national capital to address the escalating violence against women in Odisha.

Alaka Lamba, President of the All India Mahila Congress and a member of the Congress Working Committee, raised concerns about the staggering number of 36,000 women and 8,400 girls reported missing in the state, questioning the government's efforts to locate them.

Sofia Firdous, a Congress MLA from Barabati-Cuttack, criticized the state government for the increase in crimes against women since the BJP took power, claiming that 28,000 women have been victims of such crimes without receiving justice.

Firdous emphasized the lack of transparency, stating that no investigation reports have been released in the past year and no high-level meetings have been convened to address this critical issue. She called for accountability from the state police and urged the government to take decisive action to ensure the safety and dignity of women.

The BJP-led government is facing mounting criticism following the gang rape incident that occurred on June 15 at Gopalpur beach.