Protests Erupt Over Alleged Sexual Assault at Bhubaneswar Police Station

Opposition parties BJD and Congress mobilized protests in Bhubaneswar, demanding justice for a woman allegedly sexually assaulted at Bharatpur police station. They called for a court-monitored SIT probe and judicial inquiry, criticizing the state government's response. Demonstrations highlighted government inaction and raised calls for accountability.

Protests erupted in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, led by opposition parties BJD and Congress, demanding justice for a woman allegedly sexually assaulted at Bharatpur police station. Women's wing of BJD, in front of Raj Bhavan, and Congress activists attempted to gherao Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's residence, calling for his resignation over the incident.

The demonstrators, brandishing placards, accused the state’s BJP government of failing to protect its residents, especially women. The BJD called for a court-monitored SIT probe and judicial inquiry, also highlighting perceived government inaction regarding a separate incident involving the governor's son allegedly assaulting an official during Rath Yatra.

BJD leader Lekhashree Samantasinghar criticized the state government’s control over administration and police, citing the Bharatpur incident. The party submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, seeking her intervention. Meanwhile, Congress activists hurled tomatoes and eggs at the CM's residence in protest, while two groups of women activists demonstrated near the Police Commissioner's office.

(With inputs from agencies.)