Mahila Cong calls for state-wide agitation over rape-murder of woman in Dhenkanal

Bhubaneswar: The women’s wing of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) on Friday called for a state-wide agitation on June 19 in protest against the alleged rape and murder of a 45-year-old widow at Balikuma village in Dhenkanal district.
“The women members of the party will stage demonstrations, rallies and protest meetings at all district headquarters of the state, demanding justice for the woman,” OPCC president Prasad Harichandan said in a media conference here on Friday.
Slamming the state government for its alleged failure to ensure safety of women, he said, “The law and order situation in the state seems to be deteriorating as crime against women has increased manifold. The party will intensify the agitation if the government fails to extend a compensation of Rs 20 lakh to the victim’s family and ensure speedy trial of the case.”
On June 15, police arrested four persons, including the husband of the widow’s niece. Past enmity could be the motive behind the crime, a police officer said.