Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday broke his silence over the Mamita Meher issue and said that the State government is fully committed to ensure justice to the victim.
While making his statement over the Mamita Meher murder case in the House in virtual mode, Patnaik said that the death of Mamita Meher was very sad and unfortunate incident and we are all deeply anguished and pained by this heinous crime. She was 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,” he said.
However, in the aftermath of this terrible incident, the manner in which this very sensitive and heinous crime has been politicize 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.
The CM also said that things went to such an extent that the parents of the victim had to request with folded hands not 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.
“I, as the Chief Minister of Odisha have always worked to ensure justice for all especially for women and vulnerable section of the society,” the CM added.
He further said that similarly, 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.
Independent judiciary is one of the hallmarks of our democracy. To bring about transparency in investigation of this case my Government had written to the Honourable High Court of Orissa to appoint a sitting judge, or a retired judge of the High Court or a District & Sessions Judge to monitor the investigation of the case. The court has been pleased to appoint a retired District Judge to monitor the investigation of the case. Now the entire police investigation will be subjected judicial scrutiny. We should respect and have faith in our independent judiciary.
“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,” Patnaik said.
“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 appealed.
While assuring justice to the victim, the Chief Minister said, “My government is known for credibility and impartiality and the people of Odisha have always blessed us for this. I reiterate that my Government is fully committed to ensure justice to Mamita Meher.”
Ms Kalinga