Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, the BJD chief and former chief minister of Odisha, condemned the alleged attack on Rashmi Parija, a party worker and social media activist, in Jagatsinghpur district, urging for strict action against those responsible. “Increasing violence against women is intolerable. The unrest in peaceful Odisha is alarming for residents. Criminals are emboldened to act without fear. The government must take decisive action against the offenders to restore public confidence in the legal system,” he stated in a social media update. Parija was reportedly assaulted late Monday and subsequently hospitalized at the Jagatsinghpur district headquarters.
BJD leaders presented a memorandum to DGP Y B Khurania, calling for the arrest of the assailants, whom they claimed were supporters of the BJP. They alleged that individuals forcibly entered her home, attacked her, and used derogatory language. According to party supporters, she was pulled by her hair and struck with a wooden stick. The BJD noted that Parija had previously lodged several complaints about threats to her safety linked to her activism on social media, yet no preventive measures were taken by law enforcement. During a press conference, BJD MP Sulata Deo denounced the incident, labeling it “a troubling act in a civilized society.” She accused the perpetrators of attempting to silence Parija for her online expressions.
Deo also mentioned that a false case had been initiated against Parija stemming from her social media activity. In response, the Odisha BJP rejected the claims that its members were involved in the attack.