Bhubaneswar: Following continuous attack by opposition over Mamita Meher murder case inside and outside Assembly, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday broke down his silence over the issue and also slammed the opposition for politicizing it.
Making a statement in Odisha Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said his government is fully committed to ensure justice to Mamita Meher.
“The death of Mamita Meher was a very sad and unfortunate incident and we are all deeply anguished and pained by this heinous crime. She was a young and bright daughter of Odisha, having a brilliant future. Her death is a terrible and irreparable loss. My heart goes out to the family of the victim,” he said.
“My government will ensure that no stone is left unturned to see that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice as per law in the shortest possible time,” Patnaik said.
However, in the aftermath of this terrible incident, the manner in which this very sensitive and heinous crime has been politicized shocked me as well as the people of Odisha, he said.
Though parents of the victim have made an emotional appeal, the politicization of this issue sadly continues. The family was not allowed to mourn peacefully, the Chief Minister said.
“I, as the Chief Minister of Odisha have always worked to ensure justice for all especially for women and vulnerable sections of the society. Similarly, in this case we will move the competent court for fast track trial so that the perpetrators of the crime are brought to justice in the quickest possible time,” Patnaik assured the House.
To bring about transparency in investigation of this case my government had written to the High Court of Orissa to appoint a sitting judge, or a retired judge of the court or a district & sessions judge to monitor the investigation of the case.
The HC has been pleased to appoint a retired district judge to monitor the investigation of the case. Now the entire police investigation will be subjected to judicial scrutiny, he pointed out.
Rejecting the CBI probe demand of BJP, the CM said, “In the past there have been such sensitive cases against women. These cases were later either investigated by CBI, or were subject to High Court scrutiny or judicial inquiry. In no case were the State agencies found to be lacking in professionalism.”
“Now, that this investigation is being monitored by the judiciary, if there is even an iota of evidence against anybody let it be brought to the notice of the court,” the leader of the House dared the opposition leaders.
Expressing concerned over the opposition’s attack on Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra, Mr.Patnaik said, “The Indian Constitution has given crucial responsibility to the Legislature and its Members enjoy certain safeguards and privileges for helping them discharge their duties without fear, intimidation and pressure. It will be a travesty if the Members of the House are not allowed to discharge their constitutional duties. This is also setting a wrong precedent and such attempts can be misused anytime”
The State is facing a looming threat of a winter cyclone in the next 48 hours. Worldwide the Covid crisis is assuming serious proportions and we have issues of farmers, non-lifting of paddy by FCI, stopping of rural housing in KBK and tribal districts, sharp cut in central funds for the State, doubling of LPG, price rise and other issues affecting the common man, he pointed out.
He appealed the opposition members to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the House so that people of Odisha are benefitted.
This statement of the Chief Minister came in the wake of pandemonium continued to prevail in the Assembly over the issue for third consecutive day as opposition BJP and Congress members created ruckus in the House demanding removal of Minister Mishra from the council of ministers.
The House could not able to transit any business today due to the protest by opposition members and witnessed adjournments two times in the morning session and another till tomorrow morning in the post-lunch session.
In an innovative protest, the BJP members led by opposition chief whip Mohan Majhi sprinkled ganga jal and water mixed with cow dung and swept to purify the premises outside the House.
The BJP members said the Assembly has lost its sanctity after due to the presence of Mr.Mishra in the House. The Minister has been attending the House since the commencement of the winter on 1 December.
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