Bhubaneswar: Targeting the Odisha government over the death of a college girl after she set herself afire in Rajgangpur area of Sumdargarh, Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Monday demanded justice and strict action against criminals.
The former chief minister’s reaction came in a post on X after the Plus III second year student, who set herself afire on Friday, died while undergoing treatment at Rourkela’s IGH hospital in the wee hours of Monday.
Naveen, who is now the leader of opposition (LoP) in Odisha Assembly, expressed deep concern over the death of the student.
“The tragic incident of a college student losing her life in a fire in Rajgangpur Lanjiberna is heart-wrenching. In this sorrowful time, I convey my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the eternal peace of the departed soul,” he said.
Even after the family members stated that they had received prior threats of being killed, the government’s inaction surprises everyone, the BJD chief said.
“How many more innocent lives will the government allow to be lost in such a manner? The government’s indifference towards preventing such rising incidents in Odisha is emboldening the criminals,” said Naveen.
Stating that people of Odisha are feeling unsafe, the ex-CM alleged that criminals are roaming freely, and wondered for whom the government providing security. “The government must take strict measures to establish law and order in the state. Let people get justice, and immediate firm action be taken against the criminals,” the BJD supremo said.
