Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition and BJD President Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the state government over the recent violent assault incident in Berhampur, alleging a collapse of law and order in Odisha.
Reacting to the public attack on a young couple in Berhampur’s Giri Road area, Patnaik said the situation in the state reflects a disturbing breakdown of governance and public safety. In a post on X, he described the incident as deeply shocking and unacceptable, stating that such acts of brutality in a public space have left citizens across Odisha alarmed.
Panic and public anger erupted after a video went viral showing a violent assault on the young couple in the Giri Road area on Monday.
According to reports, two men attacked the couple in the middle of the road using bamboo sticks, with the entire incident unfolding in full public view. The footage circulating online shows the young man being beaten while lying on the ground, while the woman tries to protect him by standing between him and the attackers. A motorcycle lying nearby suggests the couple may have been stopped before the assault began. Several bystanders can be seen watching the incident, though immediate intervention was not evident.
In his statement, Patnaik alleged that the current administration has failed to maintain effective control over law and order, claiming that criminals are operating with growing confidence. He questioned the functioning of the police system and raised concerns over the state’s security environment.
Patnaik further said that repeated incidents of violence are damaging Odisha’s image at the national level and expressed concern over what he termed as rising lawlessness. He urged the government to take swift and strict action against those responsible for such crimes and to ensure stronger protection for ordinary citizens.
Calling for accountability, the Opposition leader stated that governance cannot rely on public announcements alone and must reflect visible safety and security on the ground.
