This isn’t just a failure of governments—it’s a failure of our society. Crimes against women in Odisha reflect systemic neglect, socio-economic inequality, and a justice system
OdishaPlus Bureau

The atrocities against women in Odisha, such as rape, gang rape, sexual harassment, and various other forms of violence, have been a long-standing problem throughout different governments. The absence of comprehensive historical data from the Congress government, which was in power until 2000, limits our understanding of that time; however, recent figures reveal that the issues persist.
During the Congress era in Odisha, cases of violence against women were notably highlighted by incidents like Chhabirani and Anjana Mishra. Under the leadership of J.B. Patnaik, the Congress government faced socio-economic challenges like poverty and underdevelopment, which likely played a role in the rise of crimes, particularly those targeting women.
The Congress government in Odisha held power for a considerable period before 2000, but from 2000 onwards, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), often in alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) until 2009, took the lead in the state.
As per National Crime Records Bureau (ICRB),from 2020 to 2024, there were 2,783 reports of “misconduct” against women on the streets, mainly involving eve-teasing and molestation, with Bhubaneswar alone accounting for 1,341 of those cases. Moreover, between 2021 and 2024, 36,420 women and 8,403 children were reported missing, and there was an 8% increase in crimes against women in 2024.
Since the BJP took over in June 2024, Odisha has seen 3,054 reported rape cases, an increase from 2,826 in 2023, along with 1,600 crimes against women in just the first eight months, which includes 54 gang rape incidents.
Odisha led the country in cases of assault with the intent to disrobe, reporting 3,232 incidents, which is 31.5% of the total in India. It also came in second for the overall crime rate against women, with 112.9 cases per 100,000 people, and was listed among the top 10 states for kidnapping and abduction of women, with 3,775 cases.
Recent incidents include a college student in Balasore who set herself on fire due to harassment from a professor, along with several cases of sexual abuse in government schools and hostels. Notable cases include the gang rape of a Class VI girl in Jharsuguda and a tribal girl giving birth in Malkangiri.
The increase in atrocity cases might be due to better awareness or improved reporting systems, as CM Mohan Charan Majhi pointed out, but it also highlights the ongoing failures in ensuring the safety of women. The Congress party has criticized the BJP for its approach to women’s safety, even though similar problems were present during their own time in power.
Political narratives, like those seen in Congress’s protests in 2025, often use these issues to gain an advantage, but the absence of preventive measures and accountability within institutions is a problem that spans across all parties. Public anger, especially regarding high-profile incidents, indicates a selective criticism aimed at the ruling BJP.
Honestly, the issue extends far beyond merely the political systems in place. It encompasses a range of socio-economic challenges and inadequate enforcement, which are the primary factors contributing to the problem.