Biju Janata Dal forms team to probe tourist assault in Odisha

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has formed a 10-member fact-finding team to investigate the alleged assault and sexual harassment of a young tourist couple near the Kapilash Temple in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district.

Led by Snehangini Chhuria, the delegation includes two women MLAs, Manorama Mohanty and Sujata Sahu. The team is tasked with examining the circumstances of the September 18 incident, meeting with the Dhenkanal Superintendent of Police, and submitting a memorandum. The mission also aims to assess broader safety and security protocols for women, youth, and families at major religious and tourist sites across the state.

The BJD has criticized the ruling BJP government, citing a rise in crimes against women. Local police have already arrested three men in connection with the incident, which gained attention after a video of the harassment went viral on social media.