Odisha Minister Pradeep Maharathy resigns

ONI Bureau:  Odisha Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy has resigned from his post. He was reportedly asked to resign by CM Naveen Patnaik following a huge outrage over his remarks hailing acquittal of the accused in Pipli gangrape and murder case.

Maharathy had hailed the lower court’s verdict acquitting both the accused and said ‘truth has prevailed’ and ‘the victim has got justice’. Both Congress and BJP slammed him and hit the streets demanding his ouster from the Cabinet.

Although Pradeep Maharathy had expressed regret over this matter, there was no sense of remorse. He fell short of tendering an unconditional apology.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who spared Naveen Patnaik and BJD Govt during his Baripada visit yesterday, took up this matter and advised the State Govt to take action on this matter.

Earlier, Odisha Crime Branch informed that the lower court’s verdict on decision to acquit all accused in Bebina rape and murder case will soon be challenged in the Orissa High Court.