TNI Bureau: Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Bhakta Charan Das strongly criticised the BJP government over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state following the brutal public assault in Berhampur.

Reacting to the incident near Giri Road in Berhampur, where a youth was critically injured and a woman was also allegedly assaulted in public, Naveen Patnaik described the attack as “extremely inhuman and shocking”. He said the incident has terrified and disturbed people across Odisha.

The former chief minister alleged that the BJP government has failed to control crime and claimed that criminals were carrying out violent acts without fear. Questioning the administration, he asked, “Where is the police administration? Where is the rule of law?”

Patnaik further said that public safety was being compromised while the government remained busy with celebrations. He stated that governments cannot run on hollow claims and propaganda, and stressed that people need security and protection.

Meanwhile, OPCC President Bhakta Charan Das also expressed serious concern over the incident and said it had raised alarming questions over law enforcement in Odisha. He said the increasing incidents of open violence indicate that criminals no longer fear the law.

Bhakta Charan Das urged the state government to take strict action against the accused and ensure public safety and proper law and order across the state.