Naveen Patnaik Calls for Action After Shocking Gang-Rape Incident at Gopalpur Beach

Outrage Over Gopalpur Beach Incident

Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and chief of the BJD, expressed his outrage on Tuesday regarding the gang-rape of a college student at Gopalpur beach, labeling the event as 'deeply shocking.'

Patnaik voiced significant concerns about the safety of women visiting Odisha's popular tourist spots.

He stated, 'The incident of gang rape at Gopalpur beach, a key tourist location in Odisha, is profoundly disturbing and has left the community in shock. It is unequivocally condemned.' He emphasized the urgent need to address women's safety in these areas.

Patnaik urged the state government to implement immediate and effective measures to combat such crimes. 'The government must be proactive in curbing the rising violence against women. It is essential to take stringent actions to ensure their safety and security throughout the state,' he remarked.

His comments come in the wake of widespread anger following the gang-rape of a 20-year-old student, who was assaulted by a group of ten men at a secluded area of Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district. Reports indicate that her male companion was restrained while the assailants took turns attacking her. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, was reported to authorities on Monday, leading to the arrest of ten suspects by Odisha Police on Tuesday.

Congress MLA Sofia Firdous also condemned the incident, describing it as indicative of a 'complete breakdown of law and order.'

Firdous stated, 'The assault on a 20-year-old college student at Gopalpur Beach is utterly horrifying. This is not merely a crime; it starkly illustrates the total failure of law enforcement in our state. The BJP government must be held responsible for the decline in public safety during its tenure.'

She called for prompt justice for the victim and expressed her support for her. 'There should be no delays or leniency. The perpetrators must receive the harshest penalties. To the survivor: you are not alone. We will ensure this incident is not forgotten,' she asserted.