Previous government shielded criminals: Odisha Law Minister

Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Monday launched a vitriolic attack on the Opposition BJD, saying the latter was shielding criminals in its 24-year rule. 

It (Bharatpur case) may be the first case in India where judicial inquiry and court-monitored Crime Branch investigation are simultaneously going on. It is a testimony to the government’s zero-tolerance approach towards crime against women, said Harichandan. 

“But in the 24 years of the previous government, many such incidents were witnessed. They were not only using delaying tactics but also protecting the criminals. Had they shown even 5 per cent of the eagerness they are presently showing, many cases would have been solved,” he said.

“If any member of them says anything regarding women atrocities or law and order situation, people would laugh at them,” he added.  

Reacting to the Law Minister’s statement, BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty said, “For the last three days, there has been an attempt to belittle the victim in the Bharatpur incident in front of the society. We are condemning this contemptible effort. The Law Minister shouldn’t try to get around of it by giving ludicrous statements. Instead of giving comments, if he performs his responsibilities properly, the police would correct themselves.”