Odisha CM breaks silence on Mamita Meher issue, makes statement in Assembly

Bhubaneswar: With Opposition members creating ruckus in the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Mamita Meher issue, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today sought to put an end to the stalemate as he made statement in this regard for the very first time.

Making a statement in the House in virtual mode, the CM said the death of Mamita Meher was a very sad and unfortunate incident. “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. 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,” said Patnaik.

“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. 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 assassination of their daughter and politicize her death. Despite their emotional appeal, the politicization of this issue sadly continues. The family was not allowed to mourn peacefully,” the Chief Minister said in the statement.

He further said that the government 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, adding that the Orissa High Court has appointed a retired District Judge to monitor the investigation of the case.

He further stressed that even if there was an iota of evidence against anybody, it would be brought to the notice of the Court.

Referring to the Opposition members stalling the House proceedings over MoS (Home) Dibya Shankar Mishra’s resignation, Patnaik said: “I am deeply concerned that there are attempts to prevent one of our colleagues – an Hon’ble Member of the August House from discharging his duties. 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 Hon’ble 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.”

“I appeal to the respected members of the opposition parties to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the house so that people of Odisha are benefitted,” he added.

Taking a jibe at the Centre, Patnaik said, “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.”