Odisha: BJP women wing scuffle with police on acquittal of gang rape accused

Members of the Odisha BJP women wing on Monday scuffled with the police personnel during their protest over denial of justice in the 2011 Pipili gangrape and murder case. The protestors objected to the acquittal of the accused in the incident.

The BJP Mahila Morcha, the women's wing of the BJP, organised a 'bangle rally' alleging the state government has failed to provide security to women. Holding party flags, banners and red bangles, they marched towards the State Secretariat and residence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. However, they were stopped by the police midway, resulting in a scuffle between the police and the BJP Mahila Morcha members.

While the women leaders alleged police excesses, the police took them into preventive custody. "The state government has failed to ensure justice to the girl. It is not about the Pipili case only. The government has failed to provide security to the women and children in the state that has led to increase in crimes," said state BJP Mahila Morcha president Pravati Parida. It should order a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the case, she added. Reacting to the BJP's rally, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) said the legal issue should not be politicized.

"The BJP is raising the same issue frequently as it has no other issue against the government, which has always worked for the development and safety of the women in the state," said BJD leader Kasturi Mohapatra. The first additional session court of Bhubaneswar had in December acquitted the prime accused in the Pipili gangrape case. The Crime Branch has moved the High Court challenging the acquittal.