BHUBANESHWAR: With the custody assault of an Army officer and his fiancée triggering nationwide outrage, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Sunday ordered for a judicial probe into the incident.
“After returning to Bhubaneswar following the 3-day Keonjhar visit, the CM held a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. The said inquiry will be conducted by Justice Chittaranjan Das. The Commission has been requested to submit its report within 60 days,” a CMO release said.
In addition, the ongoing Crime Branch probe will be monitored by a High Court Judge. “The High Court has also been requested to expedite the criminal investigation under its direct supervision,” it added.
“The Chief Minister has laid utmost emphasis on the rule of law. Along with this, the state government respects the Indian Army. The state government is completely concerned about the honour, safety and rights of women. The concerned police officers have been suspended and a case has also been registered against them. Action has also been taken against the youth involved in the incident. The state government is committed to taking strict action against all persons or officials who violate the law.” a release from CMO said.
He issued the order for judicial inquiry after consultations with deputy chief ministers K V Singh Deo and Pravati Parida, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Law Minister Pritihiviraj Harichandan and senior officers of the state.
Earlier, on the instructions of the chief minister, the complainants held a meeting with the two deputy chief ministers, the revenue minister and the law minister at the State Guest House. The woman’s father and other senior serving Army officers were also present.
Earlier, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) had announced a six-hour shutdown in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday (24th Sept), in protest of the worsening law and order situation in Odisha following the assault on army officer and his fiancée at Bharatpur police station.
“The bandh will be observed in the Capital city and adjacent areas on Tuesday. The six-hour hartal will begin from 6 AM. ” informed Senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra at a press meet in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
