TNI Bureau: Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik has described the alleged gang-rape of a minor girl in Bhubaneswar as deeply disturbing, saying it highlights a serious decline in law and order in the state capital.

In a statement, Naveen Patnaik said incidents of brutality and lawlessness are crossing all limits, making Bhubaneswar increasingly unsafe. He expressed concern that criminals appear to be acting without fear, while public confidence in the government is steadily eroding. He questioned how much further the law and order situation must deteriorate before effective action is taken.

He said the government’s failure to curb crime has created fear among the public. He added that the inability to ensure a safe environment for women in the capital reflects the insensitivity and administrative failure of the government.

Calling for urgent and proactive measures, Naveen Patnaik urged the government to take strict steps to ensure women’s safety and control rising crime. He stressed that the focus must be on preventing such incidents rather than reacting only after incident occur.