Patnaik Criticizes BJP as Self-Immolations Claim 4 Young Lives in a Month

In a scathing attack on Odisha's BJP-led government, former Chief Minister and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik has highlighted a disturbing surge in self-immolation cases among women, labeling it a "heartbreaking pattern" born from systemic failures. Over the past month, four young women have tragically died after setting themselves ablaze, allegedly due to unresolved grievances ranging from sexual harassment to blackmail, amid accusations of police inaction and governmental neglect.

Patnaik, posting on social media, expressed profound grief over the latest victim—a 13-year-old girl from Gaesilat in Bargarh district who succumbed to her injuries on Monday after immolating herself. "These four deaths are not stray cases," he stated. "Their desperation reflects the failure to hear their screams. The BJP administration is failing to create confidence in the system where our daughters feel safe, valued, and heard." He questioned how long the government would maintain its "traumatic silence and inaction," warning that it leaves Odisha's women increasingly vulnerable.

The string of incidents began on July 12 when a 20-year-old college student in Balasore self-immolated after her sexual harassment complaint against a professor went unaddressed. She died two days later at AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, sparking widespread protests in the district and drawing national attention. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the event, asserting that the "system" had effectively killed her, prompting a backlash from BJP leaders who accused him of engaging in "cheap politics." The opposition, led by Congress, even called for a statewide bandh to demand accountability.

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On July 19, a 15-year-old girl in Puri's Balanga area suffered severe burns and died on August 2 at AIIMS-Delhi. While her mother initially alleged foul play by three individuals, police investigations concluded it was a suicide linked to mental stress, a finding corroborated by her father's video statement.

The third case unfolded on August 6 in Kendrapara, where a college student died after self-immolating, reportedly over threats from her ex-boyfriend to leak intimate photos. Her father claimed police had refused to file an FIR six months earlier, leading to the transfer of an Assistant Sub-Inspector following the allegations. Patnaik decried this as "terrible neglect," urging, "How many more funeral pyres must light up before the BJP govt wakes up?"

The Bargarh incident marks the fourth in this grim series, with investigations ongoing to determine the exact cause. Adding to the crisis, related tragedies include a gang-rape at Gopalpur beach on June 15 and a nursing student's suicide by poison in Nabarangpur on August 10 after prolonged treatment.

These events underscore a broader spike in crimes against women in Odisha, with Patnaik pointing to "systemic failure of governance." According to recent reports, such incidents highlight growing outrage, with former Congress leader Niranjan Patnaik noting the government's "clueless and inactive" response as the fourth case in a month. Women's rights activists have called for urgent reforms, including faster FIR registrations and enhanced support systems.

As public anger mounts, the BJP government has yet to issue a comprehensive response, though sources indicate internal reviews are underway. Patnaik's call for action resonates amid prayers for the victims' families, emphasizing that each loss is a stark reminder of unheeded cries for justice.

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