Bhubaneswar, 12 May (H.S.): The Congress Party has launched a sharp attack on the state government over what it described as a worsening law and order situation in Odisha, citing rising incidents of violence, mob lynching, and alleged police inaction.

Addressing a press conference at the Congress Bhavan, leaders of the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) criticized the government’s handling of internal security and alleged administrative failure in curbing crime.

PCC spokesperson Dr. Manisha Das Pattnaik termed the current situation in the state as “extremely alarming and concerning.” She said incidents of brutal murders, gang rapes, crimes against women, self-immolation cases, extortion, and violent crimes have been increasing on a regular basis.

She further stated that no section of society—including women, children, ordinary citizens, or even police personnel—is safe in the state. Referring to the NCRB report, she said it reflects a disturbing reality and has negatively impacted Odisha’s image at both national and international levels.

Dr. Pattnaik alleged that the present government has been focused on self-promotion over the past two years, while failing to address pressing public safety concerns. She claimed that while the government reacts promptly to incidents in other states, it remains silent or delays action in cases within Odisha, often under the pretext of investigations.

She also alleged attempts to shield criminals and suppress facts in several cases involving senior officials and police personnel.

Raising concerns over public safety, she questioned why fear of law has diminished among offenders and why victims, particularly women, are struggling to obtain justice. She added that an atmosphere of fear prevails across the state, while the police force appears largely engaged in VIP protocol duties and traffic enforcement.

Meanwhile, Mahila Congress Media President Jaya Smita Mohanty said field visits to various incident sites revealed deeply disturbing situations. Citing the murder of a pregnant woman and the mother of a three-year-old child, she strongly criticized police inaction and accountability failures.

The Congress leaders demanded urgent corrective measures to restore public confidence and improve the law and order situation in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda