BJD Demands Justice for 8-Year-Old Rape Victim in Koraput

Bhubaneswar, May 6 : The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for strict and exemplary punishment for those responsible for the rape of an 8-year-old girl at the Guneiguda ST & SC Girls’ Hostel in Lamtaput Block, Koraput District. In a strongly worded statement, the party expressed deep concern over the rise in atrocities against tribal girls, despite the presence of a Chief Minister from the tribal community.

BJD leaders pointed out the increasing frequency of such incidents, highlighting that the state government had failed to take significant punitive or corrective actions. The party criticized the Odisha government for its apathetic and irresponsible response to issues affecting the tribal community, accusing them of attempting to shield the perpetrators.

In response to the horrific crime, a high-level BJD delegation visited the Regional Office of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar, and formally submitted an appeal demanding justice for the minor victim. The delegation also condemned the BJP-led state government’s handling of the matter, urging for a thorough investigation and appropriate action.

The BJD representative team, which visited the crime site on May 3 following widespread media coverage, met with the victim and her family, offering condolences and assuring them of the party’s commitment to securing swift justice. They reiterated their call for exemplary punishment for the perpetrators and demanded action against the Headmistress for her gross negligence.

The BJD also urged the SC & ST Development Department to issue strong directives to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future, calling for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the rights and safety of tribal girls.