BJD Forms Fact-Finding Team to Probe Tribal Woman’s Alleged Rape and Murder in Nabarangpur
Bhubaneswar: The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has constituted a 12-member delegation to visit Nabarangpur district and investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape and murder of a young tribal woman in the Kodinga police station area.
The team was formed with the approval of BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik. It includes Nabarangpur MLA and district BJD president Manohar Randhari, former MPs Ramesh Chandra Majhi and Pradip Majhi, along with other senior party leaders.
Expressing concern over the incident, Patnaik described the alleged crime as deeply disturbing and called for swift action against those responsible. The party claimed that the main accused are yet to be arrested, raising questions over the handling of the case and the prevailing law-and-order situation in the area.
According to the BJD, the delegation will meet the victim’s family to offer support, interact with local residents to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident, and hold discussions with the district Superintendent of Police. The team is also expected to press for a thorough investigation and the immediate apprehension of all those involved.
In a statement, the party said it stands firmly with the bereaved family and emphasized that crimes against women, particularly those belonging to tribal communities, must be dealt with seriously and without delay.
The delegation has been directed to assess the situation on the ground and submit a detailed report to the party leadership at the earliest.
According to preliminary reports, the victim had been spending time with friends near her home during Raja celebrations on Sunday evening. Later, she was reported missing after her companions returned home. Her body was subsequently found behind her residence late at night.
Family members have alleged that she was sexually assaulted and later strangled to death. Police have initiated an investigation into the case and have detained one person for questioning.
