Cong slams BJP govt over rising crimes against women in Odisha

ICC leader Pawan Khera strongly criticized the BJP-led Odisha government, blaming it for the alarming rise in crimes against women over the past eight months.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

He alleged that the Modi-Shah strategy toolkit was used to incite violence during Thursday's peaceful agitation by the Congress.

Khera claimed that outsiders infiltrated the protest and were responsible for pelting stones at the police, which led to a lathi charge, the use of water cannons, and tear gas. "I visited the hospital to meet injured Congress workers, including women. Some have sustained injuries on the head and upper parts of the body, indicating that the police action was targeted," he said.

Describing women's safety in Odisha as a "joke," Khera vowed that the Congress would continue fighting for the protection of women and children despite police crackdowns.