Odisha Unites in Protest: Statewide Student Strike Following Gopalpur Gang Rape

The opposition BJD has mobilized a statewide 'All Odisha Students Strike' on June 25 to express outrage over an alleged gang rape of a college student at Gopalpur sea beach. The BJD urges students to boycott classes and wear black badges in a show of solidarity and demand action.

Critics, including BJD leader Debi Ranjan Tripathy, condemn the government's handling of law and order, alleging increasing incidents of sexual violence are causing widespread fear among women. Opposition leaders attribute the alleged collapse to ineffective leadership.

In response, the state government has initiated measures, including the arrest of ten individuals linked to the Gopalpur incident and plans for six new women's fast-track courts to expedite legal proceedings against offenders.

(With inputs from agencies.)