War of Words ensues between Dharmendra & Pratap Deb

ONI Burau: While Union P&NG Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a scathing attack on Odisha Government, Administration and Police, BJD MP Pratap Deb defended the government at a counter press meet.

Dharmendra accused the Odisha Police of attempting to destroy all evidences in Kunduli case, including the suicide note. “The victim Sasmita was harassed and tortured by the state government. Even after her death, it won’t be easy for her to get justice unless the suicide note is found”, he said.

While seeking the resignation of CM Naveen Patnaik for failing to protect women and girl children of the state, Dharmendra asked the CM to break silence and speak on this matter within 24 hours.

Dharmendra also dared the Odisha Govt to order a CBI probe into the case, saying it would help bring out the truth. He also reminded the government that central forces work under the DGP when they operate in a state’s jurisdiction. He also sought to know why the Crime Branch DIG told the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on December 14 that central forces were not involved in Kunduli case.

BJD MP Pratap Deb responded, saying the CM has already ordered a judicial probe into Kunduli case and state government will leave no stones unturned to deliver justice. He rubbished the allegations that government is trying to scuttle the probe.

Pratap Deb also clarified that no clean chit was given to anyone, including the central forces as claimed by the Union Minister. “If the BJP and its leaders have lost faith in central government and judiciary, they can ask their Union Home Minister to form a panel and probe the case. We have no objection to that”.