Bhubaneswar, June 20 Senior BJD leader and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday strongly condemned the alleged assault on a Delhi-based student in the Kalyansinghpur area of Rayagada district, describing the incident as barbaric, shameful and deeply disturbing. He said the episode has shocked the conscience of the state and raised serious concerns about the safety of women in Odisha.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Patnaik expressed solidarity with the victim and her family, while calling for immediate and decisive action against those responsible. He said the alleged attack, reportedly carried out by a group of people, has triggered widespread outrage and tarnished Odisha’s image across the country.

The former Chief Minister questioned the state government's response to the incident and criticized what he described as a lack of urgency in addressing crimes against women. He asked whether the government and law enforcement agencies were doing enough to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

Patnaik further stated that incidents of violence and atrocities against women have become a matter of serious concern and warned that public confidence in law and order could be affected if prompt action is not taken. He urged the government to adopt the strictest possible measures to prevent such crimes and strengthen women’s safety mechanisms across the state.

The incident reportedly occurred on June 16 in Kalyansinghpur, where two fellowship workers—a man and a woman—were allegedly attacked by a mob after rumours circulated that they were child lifters. The case has since sparked widespread debate and concern, with demands growing for strict action against those involved and stronger measures to curb mob violence.

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