Bhubaneswar, July 22: Amid growing concerns over rising sexual assault cases, the Odisha Government has adopted a strict stance, swiftly responding to multiple rape incidents reported in Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur and Malkangiri districts.

Police have arrested several accused, including hockey trainers and a truck driver, with forensic teams deployed and victim statements recorded.

In Jajpur, three hockey trainers—Sandeep Swain, Sarthak Mohanty, and Sagar Kumar Nayak—were arrested yesterday for allegedly raping a minor trainee at a local sports center. The 15-year-old had filed a complaint at Jajpur Town Police Station, alleging that her coach and his two associates abducted her when she was returning home on July 3 evening and raped her in a lodge. The survivor is now under the care of the Child Welfare Committee, and legal proceedings are underway.

In Jagatsinghpur, police arrested one accused in a gang rape case and are actively pursuing another suspect. Scientific teams have collected forensic evidence from the crime scene, and the survivor’s statement has intensified the investigation. SP Bhawani Shankar Udgata assured that the remaining accused will be apprehended soon.

Meanwhile, Police arrested four individuals, including a truck driver, in Malkangiri district today for allegedly raping a minor girl, who had gone missing after attending a birthday celebration. She was later rescued from National Highway 326 near Bijaghati.

This comes a day after Congress Odisha student wing's (NSUI) President Udit Pradhan was arrested by the Mancheswar Police in Bhubaneswar for alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old female engineering student after spiking her soft drink with intoxicants.

These incidents have sparked political outrage. Opposition parties, including the BJD and Congress, have criticized the State government over law and order failures. In response, BJP leaders presented data from previous administrations, highlighting low conviction rates in crimes against women.

Minister Krushnachandra Patra cited National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) statistics to defend the current government’s efforts.

In 2019, Odisha’s conviction rate in crimes against women was 10%, compared to the national average of 23.7%. In 2020, Odisha dropped to 9.2%, while the national rate rose to 29.8%. In 2021, Odisha recorded 8.3%, against a national rate of 26.5%. In 2022, Odisha improved slightly to 9.3%, while the national rate stood at 25.3%.

The Mohan Majhi government has pledged continued vigilance and stronger measures to ensure justice and safety for women across the state, the Minister said.

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