Ex-CM Naveen Patnaik Condemns Rising Sexual Assault Cases in Odisha

Swift Summary

• Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed deep anguish over the gang rape of a 19-year-old college student near a sea beach in Puri District,Odisha.
• The crime occurred on September 13, 2025, just 50 km away from Bhubaneswar. The victim reported the incident to police on September 15.
• Two accused were arrested while Puri district police continue searching for othre suspects involved in tying up the victimS male friend and assaulting her.
• Mr. Patnaik criticized the BJP governance of Odisha for failing to ensure women’s safety and highlighted previous related crimes in Gopalpur, Balasore, and Balanga districts where victims are still awaiting justice.
• He warned that such incidents could harm Odisha’s image nationally and internationally as one of India’s meaningful tourist destinations.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The recent gang rape near a temple in Puri raises serious concerns about systemic issues regarding women’s safety across Odisha-a state with both cultural significance and international tourism appeal. While law enforcement has taken swift initial steps by arresting two suspects, additional measures to prevent similar incidents are crucial.Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s criticism highlights political accountability as a pressing matter but transcends individual blame; it underscores deeper structural deficiencies including law enforcement effectiveness, public security strategies near major tourist hubs like Puri beaches, and societal attitudes towards gender-based violence.

For India at large-and particularly for states banking heavily on tourism-a repeat pattern of such crimes risks eroding public confidence not only domestically but also among global visitors who consider safety pivotal during travel experiences.

Read more: 10 arrested in gang rape of woman near Gopalpur Beach