In view of the revelations made in a report of the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) that crimes against women are on the rise in Odisha, the BJP on Wednesday severely criticised the State Government for the situation.

“The BJD Government has failed to protect women despite being in power many years. Criminals with support of the ruling party leaders have committed crimes. Though many girls have been raped and killed, yet they have not got justice,” alleged BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra.

Mohapata said rape cases have risen in the State by 9.7 per cent in 2017 compared to 2016.

According to NCRB report, cases of offence against women in Odisha had increased to 20,098 in 2017 from 17,837 in 2016. Odisha contributes 5.6 per cent of offences against women in the country. Disrobing of women cases have also risen by 11.6 per cent in the State in 2017. Odisha stands third in offences against women and fifth in sexual harassment cases. As many as 62.7% rape victims are under 18 years’ age. In dowry and dowry-related killing cases, Odisha is in the sixth position.

Mohapatra demanded that Chief Minister tell the people what steps his Government would take to protect women in view of the NCRB revelation.

However, Minister of State for Home Dibya Shankar Mihsra said the State Government has taken all possible steps to check crimes against women. “We will make police stronger to handle such cases and ensure that more culprits are brought to book,” Mishra told reporters.