JEYPORE: Led by Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Prasad Harichandan, hundreds of the party workers marched from Musaguda village to Semiliguda on Tuesday to protest against the alleged gang-rape of a minor girl in Sarispadar village of Koraput district. The protest rally was staged at a time when sources revealed that police have received vital clues in the case after quizzing three youths from Musaguda.
After interrogation, police released Pratap Chati, Arjun Padal and Somu Khemundu on Tuesday morning.
“Another youth, named Popun Khora, continues to be detained by the police for further interrogation,” sources said.Meanwhile, the Congress leaders and workers shouted slogans against the Government and the district administration for failing to provide justice to the girl, while taking part in the padyatra.
Later, Harichandan, hit out at the BJD Government over the apparent increase in crime against women in Odisha.
“The State Government has failed to protect women. The atrocities against women are increasing,” said Harichandan. The Congress leader took a dig at the Government, while addressing a gathering of party workers in Semiliugda.“BJD has been claiming of providing the best security to women in the State. But, in reality, women safety has taken backseat in Odisha,” he claimed.
Referring to Koraput gang-rape, Harichandan said even after six days of the heinous crime on a Dalit girl, the police have not arrested the accused, which is a shameful act, and the Government should immediately take action to seek justice for the victim. “The Government must ensure the girl’s rehabilitation and provide her compensation,” he added.
The leaders also met the relatives of the victim and the villagers of Musaguda. They visited the crime spot, for gathering information on the incident, amid tight security. The Congress team had reached the village on Monday and had held discussions on the issue with the local leaders and villagers.