New Delhi, July 20 -- Congress leader Mumtaz Patel expressed deep concern over the recent cases of violence against women in Odisha, criticising both the state administration and the central government for their silence and inaction.

Her remarks came in response to two distressing incidents reported from the state: the self-immolation of a young woman in Balasore after alleged prolonged harassment, and another case of a minor girl being burnt alive in Puri district.

Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Patel said, "In Balasore, a few days ago, we saw that a girl had to commit suicide after being harassed for so many days, and now you saw that in Puri, another girl was burnt alive. I want to express great sorrow and anger at such incidents."

She ...