Opposition Congress today rapped the Odisha government over the rise in the sexual crimes against women, particularly minors, forcing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to admit that the conviction rates in rape cases of the state was less than the national average.
"Though the conviction rate in murder cases in the state is higher than the national average, the rate of conviction in rape cases is close to the All India average," Patnaik, who is also the home minister of the state, said while replying an adjournment debate in the assembly.
Opposition Chief Whip Prasad Harichandan while participating in a two-hour debate on the crime situation in the state, pointed out that the low conviction rate was the major factor for rise in sexual crimes against women.
"While the national average of conviction rate remains at 24.3%, it is only 21.3% in Odisha. That is why the criminals get encouragement as many of their brothers get acquitted after committing similar crimes," Harichandan said adding that there has been spate of crimes against women, particularly minor girls in the state.
Citing recent rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in the city slum, the Congress leader said that earlier this month another minor girl was raped and killed in Kendrapara district. "Prior to that a blind minor girl was also raped and killed in Puri district," he pointed out ridiculing the Chief Minister, who holds home portfolio since 13 years.
Similarly, in case of kidnapping of girls and women, Harichandan said the conviction rate remains at 7.9% against the national average of 22.2%.
Dubbing Odisha as the safe heaven of criminals, the Congress leaders alleged that the criminals could easily get acquitted as the government pleaders mostly belonged to the ruling BJD leaders.
"While the government appointed public prosecutors (PPs) are only 10%, BJD leaders hold 90% of posts. Has the chief minister ever reviewed performances of such PPs during his over a dozen of years rule," he asked.
Patnaik, however, defended the government claiming that his government has taken several steps for controlling crimes.
Not satisfied with Patnaik's reply, opposition walked out of the assembly in protest.
