CM: Refrain from unwarranted demonizing of state & polity
- Bhubaneswar: Amid the blame game over the ongoing probe into the murder of minister Naba Das, chief minister Naveen Patnaik here on Wednesday said the level of political discourse in the case is disturbing and not a good sign for democracy.
- Stating in the assembly that the manner in which the sensitive case is being politicized is shocking, Naveen said, "It is disturbing to see the baseless and malicious allegations that are being made."
- The CM said Odisha has a tradition of a very mature and high level of political discourse, he said, adding "as a mature democracy we should refrain from unwarranted demonizing and vilifying of the essential organs of our state and polity."
- The CM said he was dee ply shocked that the accused of this heinous crime was a policeman. However, it is unfair to blame the entire police force for it. "I pity the opposition, especially the state BJP, which has no other agenda except politicizing heinous crimes and demoralizing our police force which is the pride of Odisha," Naveen said.
- Referring to the alleged assault of a policewoman by leader of opposition Jaynarayan Mishra during a BJP protest against law and order in Sambalpur on February 15, Naveen said the assault of a female police officer on duty by a person holding a high constitutional post is deplorable and disgraceful.
- Amid the opposition ruckus in the Vidhan Sabha, Naveen said, "I want to reassure the house that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring a full, fair and open investigation in the case with the assistance of the best forensic experts in India and abroad."
- The CM said the CB has been asked to do a thorough and scientific investigation to establish the truth in the case. The CB has taken the services of the best forensic experts in the country. The State Forensic Science Laboratory, the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in New Delhi and the Gujarat State Forensic Science Laboratory at Gandhi Na- gar are assisting the Odisha crime branch, he said.