In a strong statement during a press conference on Saturday, former MP and senior Congress leader Dr. Ajoy Kumar expressed deep concern over the rising atrocities against tribals, women, and army personnel in BJP-ruled states. He criticized the silence of BJP leaders in the face of increasing crimes and injustices, stating that the safety of vulnerable groups has been severely compromised.
Dr. Kumar highlighted a disturbing trend of rising crimes, particularly in Odisha. "The law and order situation has deteriorated drastically under BJP's rule," he said. He referred to specific incidents, including the September 18 assault on a woman lawyer, the fiancée of an army captain, by police officers in Bhubaneswar, and the tragic case of a woman whose body was found in Jharbeda forest, Sambalpur district, on September 1.
He also condemned several recent incidents of sexual violence, including a gang-rape of a 22-year-old in Dhenkanal district, and the brutal rape and murder of an 18-year-old tribal girl in Sundargarh district on September 16. Dr. Kumar emphasized the silence from Odisha’s Chief Minister and top BJP leaders regarding these alarming events, accusing them of being "silent spectators."
Referring to similar incidents in Jharkhand, Dr. Kumar reminded the public of Seema Patra, a BJP leader who was accused of torturing a tribal domestic worker for months. "BJP leaders, who often claim to protect tribals, must explain why their own party members are involved in such heinous acts," he remarked.
The Congress leader went further, accusing the BJP of protecting criminals, including those involved in high-profile cases like Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual exploitation of women wrestlers, and Kuldeep Sengar, convicted in the Unnao rape case. He argued that the BJP consistently shields rapists, referencing incidents such as the Bilkis Bano case, where convicts were supported by party members.
Dr. Kumar also raised concerns about the safety of army personnel in BJP-ruled states, citing the beating of two army officers and the gang rape of their friends in Indore. He lamented the plight of army officer Serto Thangthang Kom, who was kidnapped and killed in Manipur. He concluded by condemning the apathy of BJP leaders towards soldiers, quoting a former BJP MP’s callous remark that "if they are army soldiers, they will definitely die."
