Bhadrak: Normal life came to a standstill at Chandbali in Odisha’s Bhadrak district on Thursday as opposition BJD and Congress observed a six-hour bandh from 6 am, protesting against the alleged rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl earlier this week.
Protesters, including party workers, blocked key roads by burning tyres, severely disrupting vehicular traffic across the town. Shops, markets, and commercial establishments largely remained shut, with widespread public participation underscoring growing outrage over the heinous crime.
Heavy police deployment was visible at vulnerable spots to maintain order and avert escalations during the bandh.
The blood-soaked body of the Class 3 student was found near a bush in Baligaon under Chandbali police limits, almost 6 hours after she left home at 2 pm on Tuesday. “On December 24, Chandbali policesStation received a report that the body of a minor girl aged around 10–11 years was found behind the Baligaon Gram Panchayat office. Taking cognizance of the matter, the police team led by the IIC, Chandbali, immediately visited the spot and seized the body…” said DIG (Eastern Range) Pinak Mishra.
The alleged rape-murder of the minor girl triggered protest by locals on Wednesday, even as the police arrested the key accused from Jagatsinghpur district. Angry locals reportedly also vandalised the house of the prime accused.
The incident also sparked intense political backlash, with opposition leaders criticising the state government’s handling of law and order.
Speaking to the media, BJD’s Chandbali MLA Byomakesh Ray accused authorities of grave negligence, claiming rampant illegal drug sales in the area contributed to the tragedy. “The incident occurred due to police lapses. The accused is a drug addict, and we demand swift justice for the victim,” Ray stated, highlighting a perceived rise in crimes against women statewide.
While Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced Rs 10 lakh aid from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for the girl’s family, the protesters are demanding Rs 50 lakh compensation and arrest all accused persons in the case.
On Wednesday, BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that the incident has “shaken civilised society to its core”. “The image of Odisha, once known for women’s safety and strong law and order, is now being tarnished before the entire world. While women’s safety in the state has deteriorated, the BJP government’s indifference is astonishing everyone.”
“Why is the government dragging its feet in taking exemplary steps to ensure a safe environment for all? How many more innocent lives must be lost before the government wakes up? Odisha’s mothers and sisters want safety, not the empty fireworks of the double-engine government’s false promises. Before the situation worsens further, the government must step forward proactively and strictly enforce security measures,” he stressed.
