Five rape cases were reported in Odisha in the last ten days, police said, adding that the recent case was reported in the Karanjai area of Mayurbhanj district. Police said a woman was allegedly gang-raped by three men when she was returning from a temple on June 25. The woman alleged that the suspects took her to a nearby forest and raped her taking turns. One of the suspects identified as Bikash Patra was arrested while efforts are underway to nab others.
In the second incident, ten men were arrested on June 17 after a woman, who visited a Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district along with her male friend, was gang-raped. The suspects overpowered her friend and tied him up when he protested.
In the third incident reported at Tentlapashi Village in Keonjhar district on June 18, the body of a 17-year-old girl was found hanging from a tree in a paddy field. Police said the girl was missing a day before the incident and her family alleged that she was sexually assaulted. Injury marks were also spotted on her body.
In the fourth incident, four men allegedly barged into the home of a 31-year-old woman and allegedly gang-raped her when her family members were out for work on June 19. Police said the men were known to her family and on the complaint of her husband a case was registered at a police station in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district.
In the fifth incident, a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a clinic owner in Berhampur, Ganjan district on June 25. Police said the suspects promised the survivor’s family that he would teach BSs Nursing and provide accommodation.
“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,” Congress MLA from Cuttack, Sofia Firdous, as quoted by NDTV.
“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?” she asked.
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