Bhubaneswar, Sept. 16 -- Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday slammed the BJP government in the state over the alleged gang rape near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri District, saying that it is heart-rending to witness "horrifying patterns of violence against women reported across Odisha".

Patnaik, a former Chief Minister, said while the BJP leaders engage in "theatrical display of concern, the predators prowl on broad daylight with impunity".

He demanded strict action against the guilty.

"Deeply shocked and anguished to know a young girl has been gang raped near Maa Baliharachandi temple in Puri District, just 50km away from the state capital. It is heart-rending to witness such horrifying patterns of violence a...