TNI Bureau: Odisha is witnessing a sharp rise in crime, mob violence, and atrocities against women, with the state opposition accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhakta Charan Das has demanded a high-level probe into the recent Balipatna mob lynching incident, calling the situation in the state “deeply alarming.”

The latest controversy erupted after a youth was allegedly beaten to death in broad daylight at Benupur under Balianta police limits near Bhubaneswar. Another person was critically injured after locals reportedly attacked them over allegations of misconduct with two young women. The Congress termed the incident a glaring example of “mob justice” and a complete collapse of policing.

Bhakta Charan Das alleged that Odisha is slipping into a “jungle raj,” with incidents of mob lynching, murder, sexual violence, and communal tension increasing across districts. He accused the “double-engine government” of remaining passive while fear and lawlessness spread across the state.

The Congress leader cited several recent incidents, including the brutal assault on a Dalit youth in Kalahandi over allegations of cattle-hide trade, the lynching of a Muslim man in Balasore on suspicion of cattle smuggling, and attacks on migrant workers and Dalit youths in different districts. He also referred to cases of sexual assault and violence against women in districts such as Dhenkanal, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, and Puri.

According to figures cited by the Congress, Odisha recorded 54 communal clashes and seven mob-lynching incidents between June 2024 and February 2026. More than 37,000 crimes against women were reportedly registered between June 2024 and July 2025, with cases continuing to rise.

“While the state is witnessing a surge in crime and criminal activities as well lawlessness, Odisha CM is busy in eating ‘Jhalmudhi’ in West Bengal and going to Gujarat to sell the state to industrialists”, quipped Bhakta Das.

The opposition warned that unless urgent corrective measures are taken, the deteriorating law-and-order situation could worsen further. The state government, however, has yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations.