Chandbali, Dec 25: The suspected rape and murder of a Class III student has triggered widespread public outrage and protests in Chandbali area of Bhadrak district in Odisha, with tension continuing to prevail for the second consecutive day.
According to police, the girl, daughter of a bus conductor, had left her home around 2 pm on Tuesday but failed to return.
Despite a frantic search by her family and locals, she remained untraceable until her unclothed body was found near the Baligaon panchayat office under the jurisdiction of Chandbali police station.
The circumstances of her death sparked anger and demands for swift justice. On Wednesday, angry residents gheraoed the Chandbali police station, a day after blocking roads at several places in the area, located about 55 km from Bhadrak town.
Protesters blocked the Bhadrak–Chandbali main road by burning tyres, bringing traffic to a standstill on both sides through Tuesday night.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over the incident and assured strict action against those responsible.
The state government announced an ex gratia assistance of ₹10 lakh for the victim’s family. Police on Wednesday arrested the prime accused from Jagatsinghpur district.
The arrest followed intense public protests, including vandalism at the accused’s residence. Protesters also demanded the closure of liquor shops in the area, alleging that alcohol abuse was contributing to rising crime.
One liquor outlet was vandalised during the agitation. Locals alleged that the accused committed the crime under the influence of alcohol.
“Such crimes are taking place because of easy access to liquor. These shops should be relocated,” a protester said. Senior police officials rushed to Chandbali to manage the law and order situation. Bhadrak Superintendent of Police Manoj Kumar Rout said, “Prima facie, it appears to be a case of sexual assault and murder.
We have arrested the prime accused. As per local demands, steps will be taken to demolish unauthorised liquor outlets, and a special drive will be launched against illegal liquor and ganja sales.”
The incident has also drawn sharp political reactions. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress have called for a Chandbali bandh on Thursday.
The BJD staged a protest outside the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhubaneswar, criticising the alleged rise in crimes against women in the state.
BJD MLA Pramila Mallick said, “Women and girls are not safe in the state. Has the Chief Minister summoned the Director General of Police to discuss this alarming trend?”
Local BJD MLA Byomokesh Ray announced a six-hour Chandbali bandh on Thursday from 6 am to 12 noon, stating it was a protest against the “horrific crime and the administration’s failure to control rising lawlessness.” Authorities have appealed for calm while assuring the public that justice will be delivered swiftly.
