Odisha CM makes statement in Assembly, assures justice to Mamita Meher

By Sukanta Kumar Mohanty

BHUBANESWAR, DEC. 4: Breaking his long silence on the gruesome murder of Kalahandi’s lady teacher Mamita Meher, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday termed the incident as ‘sad and unfortunate.’

 He, however, attacked the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress for “politicising” the incident for political mileage.

Making a statement in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, the CM said, “The death of Mamita Meher is a very sad and unfortunate incident and we all are deeply anguished and pained by this heinous crime. She was a young and bright daughter of Odisha, having a brilliant future. The 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.”

He condemned the way the “sensitive” and “heinous” crime has been politicised.

 “While dealing with such sensitive cases, we must never forget the pain and agony the family members of the victim go through. Things went to such an extent that the parents of the victim had to request with folded hands not to do character assignation of their daughter and politicise her death. Despite their emotional appeal, the politicisation of this issue sadly continues,” Naveen’s statement read.

Reiterating his commitment towards justice for all, especially women and vulnerable sections, the Chief Minister said, “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.”

Meanwhile, the BJP lawmakers on Friday ‘purified’ the Assembly premises by sprinkling cow-dung water and sweeping the floors.

“The entry of a tainted minister has desecrated the sanctity of the House. So, we purified it by sprinkling cow-dung water and sweeping the floors,” the saffron party lawmakers said.    

The CM’s statement to the House assumes significance in the backdrop of the pandemonium created by the Opposition during the on-going winter session of the State Assembly over demands of expulsion of the minister of state for home Divya Shankar Mishra for his alleged complicity in the murder.

The Opposition has been disrupting the House since December 1 proceedings seeking a discussion on the Mamita Meher murder case.

“Now the entire police investigation will be subjected to judicial scrutiny, we should respect and have faith in our independent judiciary. I have always ensured that the police have full functional autonomy; that they do a professional job particularly in heinous offences relating to women; and take legal action without fear or favour against anybody, if there is evidence, no matter how high and mighty he is,” the statement read.

Lady teacher Mamita Meher was on October 8 brutally killed by one Gobinda Sahu, said to be a key associate of minister Divya Shankar Mishra, as she threatened to expose a high-profile sex-scandal.