TNI Bureau: Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Bhakta Charan Das today visited Chandbali in Bhadrak district and met the family of the minor girl who was recently a victim of a heinous crime. Expressing deep condolences, Bhakta Das strongly condemned the incident and described it as a result of a deteriorating social environment in the state.

Addressing the media after meeting the family, the OPCC chief alleged that the unchecked circulation of drugs, alcohol and opium in several areas has created conditions that enable such crimes. He accused the state government of failing to control antisocial activities, which he said has directly contributed to the rise in crimes against women and children.

He claimed that in the last ten months alone, more than 1,500 girls have fallen victim to similar incidents across Odisha, and said the recurrence of such crimes, including the latest case in Chandbali, highlights serious lapses in governance and law enforcement.

Calling for strong deterrent measures, he demanded strict punishment for the accused and urged that the case be heard in a fast-track court. He said exemplary punishment would help prevent such crimes in the future.

The OPCC president also appealed to the state government, the Supreme Court and the President of India to review the growing number of crimes against minor girls in Odisha and to consider making the laws more stringent to deter offenders.

Demanding immediate justice and adequate support for the affected family, He said the compensation should be enhanced to ₹50 lakh. He criticised the government for limiting its response to a relief amount of ₹10 lakh, stating that financial assistance alone cannot substitute accountability.

Holding the government responsible for the prevailing antisocial environment, Das warned against prioritising revenue over public safety and urged decisive action to restore law and order and ensure the protection of women and children in the state.