Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the lynching of a youth on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday alleged the rule of law has collapsed in the state.

Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, the party’s headquarters, BJD spokespersons Lenin Mohanty and Tumbanath Panda said the recent spate of heinous crimes and murder incidents across Odisha over the past week is unprecedented.

Citing incidents such as the murder of a pregnant woman in Hinjili and an attempt to murder a youth by running a vehicle over him in Kanasa, the leaders said the latest lynching has severely shaken public confidence in the police and administrative system.

They further alleged Odisha has been facing criticism across the country due to the “incompetence” of the State Home Department since the BJP government came to power.

The leaders added people in the state are increasingly feeling insecure amid a rise in violent incidents.

Notably, the lynching took place around 10 a.m. near Ramchandrapur bridge in the Bhingarapur area under Balianta police limits. Soumya Ranjan Swain from Adaspur was beaten to death, while another youth, Om Prakash Rout, sustained critical injuries. The two were allegedly attacked by a mob over accusations of attempting to sexually assault two women.

According to the latest reports, the Commissionerate Police have detained four persons in connection with the incident based on CCTV footage and videos circulating on social media.