Bhubaneswar: With the opposition almost paralysing the Odisha Assembly for the third consecutive day over Mamita Meher murder case, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said that this 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.
He also termed attempts to prevent Minister of State for Home Dibya Shankar Minister from discharging his duties as a member of the august House as an intimidatory pressure tactic.
It is for the first time that the CM has issued a statement on the sensational murder case. He had remained mum even when the Opposition began agitation, demanding Mishra’s ouster from Council of Ministers for alleged links with Govind Sahu, prime accused in the sensational Mamita Meher murder.
Teacher of Sunshine English Medium School Mamita was allegedly strangled to death by Govind inside his car on October 8. Her remains were received from an under-construction stadium site of the school 11 days later. Soon pictures of the minister with Govind started doing the rounds and the Opposition demanded his removal from the cabinet for a free and fair probe in the case.
“The death of Mamita Meher was a very sad and unfortunate incident and 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,” Naveen said.
He condemned the manner in which the sensitive and heinous crime was 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 assassination of their daughter and politicise her death,” he said.
Despite their emotional appeal, the politicisation of this issue sadly continues and the family was not allowed to mourn peacefully, he said.
.”I, as the Chief Minister of Odisha, have always worked to ensure justice for all especially for women and vulnerable sections of the society. In this case, 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,” he added.
Naveen further said that the entire police investigation will now be subjected to judicial scrutiny with the Orissa High Court nominating a retired judge to monitor the probe.
“We should respect and have faith in our independent judiciary,” he said.
The CM further stressed that Odisha police have always done a professional job particularly in heinous offences relating to women and taken legal action without fear or favour against anybody if there is evidence.
“Wherever there has been delinquency or negligence, stringent and exemplary action has been taken against erring police officers. In the past, there have been such sensitive cases against women. These cases were later either investigated by CBI or were subject to High Court scrutiny or judicial inquiry. In no case were the state agencies found to be lacking in professionalism. Now, that this investigation is being monitored by the judiciary, if there is even an iota of evidence against anybody let it be brought to the notice of the court,” he added.
Naveen also expressed concern over attempts to prevent a member of the 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 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 at any time,” he said.
He instead urged the members to discuss the looming threat of a winter cyclone in the next 48 hours, the COVID crisis that is assuming a serious proportion, 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.
The CM finally appealed to the opposition parties to cooperate in the smooth functioning of the house for the sake of the people of Odisha.
“I reiterate that my government is fully committed to ensuring justice for Mamita Meher,” he added.
