Naveen Patnaik Condemns Death of Missing Lady Constable, Questions Police Accountability

Bhubaneswar, Sep 17 : Leader of Opposition and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik expressed shock over the disappearance and subsequent death of 25-year-old constable Shubhamitra Sahu from the Bhubaneswar Commissionerate Police.

Shubhamitra, who was posted at the DCP Traffic Office, went missing after her duty on September 6. Her mother lodged a formal complaint on September 7, and today her decomposed body was found near Ghatagaon.

Taking to his X handle, Patnaik said he was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the incident. He questioned the efficiency and accountability of the Home Department and state police, emphasizing that if the police could not trace one of their own employees for 10 days, the safety of ordinary citizens is even more concerning.

Patnaik added that media reports indicated Shubhamitra’s father had previously informed the police about the accused, yet the investigation failed to prevent her death.

He warned that unless the Home Department and police take immediate steps to ensure women’s safety at work, more families could face such tragedies.

The BJD Supremo also cited previous incidents of public assaults in tourist spots like Gopalpur and Baliharachandi, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms.

“The Home Department must wake up and take necessary action immediately,” Patnaik tweeted.