BJD Calls for Special Investigation into Alleged Exploitation of Girls in Odisha Hostels

BJD Demands Action on Disturbing Reports

Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) urged the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to establish a special investigation team (SIT) under judicial oversight to look into the reported sexual exploitation of girls in government-run hostels across Odisha.

A delegation from the party presented a memorandum to the commission's regional office located in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar.

This action follows alarming reports of two girls from different state-run residential schools in Kandhamal district who have become pregnant.

In their memorandum, the BJD proposed the creation of an SIT to investigate and oversee judicial processes related to these cases. They also called on the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes to recommend that the state government implement comprehensive policy reforms, including a complete revamp of the monitoring system for hostels managed by the ST and SC Development Department.

The party asserted that at least four girls in state-run hostels in Rayagada, Mayurbhanj, and Kandhamal have reported pregnancies.

The BJD expressed grave concern over a series of distressing incidents involving the sexual exploitation and pregnancies of tribal girls living in hostels overseen by the ST & SC Development Department in Odisha, highlighting systemic failures and severe administrative negligence in safeguarding the rights and well-being of these vulnerable girls.

They demanded the establishment of effective grievance redressal mechanisms and regular surprise inspections to avert such occurrences.

Additionally, the BJD urged the NCST chairman to take immediate action regarding these cases to protect the fundamental rights of marginalized communities.

BJD leaders and supporters also organized a protest outside the office of the DIG for the southwestern range in Koraput, claiming an increase in crimes against women in the area.

The demonstrators submitted a memorandum to the Odisha DGP via the DIG, detailing incidents of rape, gang rape, and molestation affecting women and girls in the southern districts.