Pujari reiterates demand for CBI probe in Lok Sabha
- Bhubaneswar: BJP's Bargarh MP Suresh Pujari in Lok Sabha on Monday reiterated the saffron party's demand for a CBI probe into the murder of health minister Naba Kisore Das 'since the state agencies are unable to figure out the motive even after two weeks'. Pujari, who raised the issue during the Zero Hour, said, "The case fits the criteria for a CBI pro be." Naba was murdered by now sacked ASI Gopal Das in Jharsuguda on January 29 in anger after the former refused his request for a job for added. his relative'. While the state crime branch is probing the case, BJP leaders have demanded a CBI probe from time to time.
- Upon contact, Pujari said his main area of contention is that the state government is reluctant to hand over the probe to CBI, even though it is taking the help of central agencies in peripheral issues of the case. The crime branch recently sought the help of Central Forensic Science Laboratory for a forensic exam and of NIMHANS for a psychological test of Gopal. "Unless the CBI probes it, the murder will remain a mystery. The crime branch is clueless about motive behind the crime and the conspiracy angle," Pujariadded.
- Meanwhile, the state BJP unit has announced a three- on Thursday. day agitation from Tuesday seeking chief minister Naveen Patnaik's resignation over the 'worsening law-and- order situation' in Odisha in the wake of the minister's murder. Addressing a press conference here, BJP leader Bhrugu Baxipatra said, "The way an influential minister was assassinated by a policeman is unheard of in the recent history of India.
- Even after 15 days of the crime, there is no clarity on the motive. The CM has failed to protect its people and he has to go." As part of its protest plan, the party will stage a protest in Bhubaneswar and a few other places on Tuesday, in front of all the collectors' offices on Wednesday and in front of Raj Bhawanon Thursday.
- BJD spokesperson Gau- tam Buddha Das said, "The law-and-order situation in Odisha is better than that of the BJP-ruled states. The BJP should refrain from de- faming a peaceful state like Odisha." Gautam claimed that the opposition is only trying to divert the public's attention from the real issue of central food subsidy cut by staging such protests.