OJM workers protest Itishree’s death; gherao DCP office

OST Bureau

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2:

Protesting the state government’s apathy and police inaction in the case of Tikiri school teacher Itishree Pradhan, supporters and workers of Odisha Jan Morcha (OJM) gheraoed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) office here on Saturday.

The workers came in a procession from the party office to the DCP office holding placards bearing slogans against the State Government and staged a demonstration in front of the office demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for failing to ensure security to the women in the state.

The workers, led by OJM’s youth wing president Sidheswari Prasad Mishra, condemned the Chief Minister in strong words for not taking appropriate steps in time when the teacher had asked for justice.

“Why did the police, DI of schools, Rayagada Collector and higher authorities not pay heed to Itishree’s complaint?” asked Mishra, adding, “It clearly shows the insensitivity of the State Government.”

“Why does the government always order investigation in such cases after the victim has died instead of taking action when she was still alive?” he asked.