Biju Mahila Janata Dal President Calls for Judicial Probe in Kuchinda Gang Rape Case

By A Staff Reporter —
Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In response to the Kuchinda gang rape case involving a minor girl, Biju Mahila Janata Dal President and former Minister Snehangini Chhuria has demanded a judicial inquiry, alleging deliberate suppression of the case. Chhuria, overseeing a fact-finding team for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), stated that on October 15, a minor was gang-raped in Kuchinda by a group that included Kanha Chattariya, a known associate of the victim, who allegedly led her into a car. The car’s driver, Harihar Pani, is reportedly linked to Odisha’s State Minister for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rabi Narayan Naik.

The police initially registered the incident as a kidnapping case. Chhuria also accused BJP leader Sushil Kara of prior knowledge of the crime, claiming that Kara and others conspired to prevent the case from being recorded as gang rape. Chhuria’s team met the victim’s family on October 23, the same day Pani was taken into custody.

Chhuria condemned the handling of the case, asserting, “Women are not safe under the BJP government in Odisha.” She called for a judicial probe, expressing concerns over attempts to influence the public and shield those involved. Her statements add pressure for transparency and accountability as the investigation unfolds.