Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, August 24: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday informed the Assembly that as many as 245 gang rape incidents have been reported in the state of which the victims were killed in eight cases in last three years.
Replying to a written question of Congress member Prakash Chandra Behera, Patnaik said that 245 gang rape incidents have been reported in last three years.
While 67 gang rapes were committed in 2012, the number increased to 87 in 2013 which further climbed to 91 in 2014,
Patnaik said in his written reply.
He said while five of the gang rape victims were killed in 2013, three of them died in 2014. On the question about financial assistance to the victims of gang rapes, Patnaik said “The government has been collecting information in this regard.”
Witchcraft practice
At least 47 people, including 18 women, were killed on suspicion of practising witchcraft in past two years, which had enacted a legislation in 2013 to stop the menace.
“At least 29 males and 18 females were killed on suspicion of practising witchcraft between August 29, 2013 to July 31, 2015,” said the Chief Minister replying to another question.
Stating that the government has made provision of stringent punishment for persons involved in such killings, Patnaik said awareness campaigns are also launched in the vulnerable areas.
He said students in vulnerable areas are being made aware. This apart, police have been carrying out awareness
camps with help of NGOs to eradicate the tradition prevalent in backward areas.
The state Assembly had enacted Orissa Prevention of Witch Hunting Act, 2013 with objective of stopping the practice.
