Bargarh ( Odisha): A citizens’ forum in Odisha’s Bargarh district has announced a 12-hour bandh on January 21, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the alleged abduction and gangrape of a 24-year-old woman. The incident has sparked outrage in the region, leading to protests and an all-party meeting.
The victim reportedly went missing on January 12 while attending the Dhanu Jatra, a famous cultural festival in Bargarh town. She was discovered the next day in the Kurla forest with severe injuries. The woman’s family revealed that they received a call from her phone, where a youth informed them of her critical condition due to an “accident.” She was subsequently rescued and rushed to a hospital.
The citizens’ forum, after an all-party meeting held on January 17, decided to observe a dawn-to-dusk bandh to pressurize authorities. The meeting was attended by representatives from political parties, including Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and several social organizations such as Ambedkar Yuvak Sangha, Bhim Army, and the Joint Farmers’ Union. Local intellectuals and activists also participated, expressing their dissatisfaction with the police’s delayed action in apprehending the accused.
Protesters had previously blocked the Bargarh-Bhatli road on January 16, demanding swift action. Despite assurances from the police to arrest the perpetrators within 48 hours, no significant progress has been reported, prompting further agitation.
The forum has outlined several demands: Swift apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the heinous crime. An impartial and expedited probe into the incident. Ensuring proper medical treatment and psychological support for the survivor. Action against police personnel for alleged inaction and negligence in handling the case.
Speakers at the meeting, including Bhishmadeb Saraf, Dwitis Acharya, and Kalpana Majhi, expressed grave concern over the lack of justice for the victim. They emphasized the need for community solidarity to hold authorities accountable and ensure safety for women in the region.
Various political and social organizations have visited the victim and her family to understand the gravity of the situation. Public sentiment in Bargarh remains tense, with citizens uniting to demand justice and safety measures.
The Bargarh police have interrogated two individuals in connection with the case, but no arrests have been made. The delay has drawn criticism from the community, who accuse the police of being unresponsive and ineffective.
The bandh is expected to disrupt normal life in the district on January 21, with shops, markets, and transportation likely to remain closed. The citizens’ forum has urged people to support the bandh as a peaceful protest against the crime and the authorities’ alleged failure to act promptly.
As Bargarh prepares for the bandh, all eyes are on the authorities to see if they can deliver justice and address the community’s growing unrest.
