Taking exception to the presser by Northern range DIG Deepak Kumar on the sensational Kalahandi lady teacher Mamita Meher murder on Saturday, the Opposition - BJP and Congress - today hit out at the top cop for 'acting' like ruling BJD's spokesperson and 'shielding' the Minister of State (Home) Dibya Shankar Mishra.
"The northern Range DIG Deepak Kumar is acting as a spokesperson of the ruling party and is trying to give a clean chit to minister Mishra even when the investigation into the matter is still on," charged Lekhashree Samantasinghar, General Secretary, Odisha BJP.
"The investigation has not been completed. Neither the call detail records of the Minister have been summoned nor any police team had visited his Raipur residence. The way the DIG is giving a clean chit to the minister, how can one expect a fair investigation by the IO (investigating officer) in the case. It seems the DIG is trying to influence the probe, we demand a CBI investigation," She demanded
Attacking the State government, State BJP president Samir Mohanty charged it of misleading the people.
"Women and children are not safe in the State under BJD rule. Some police personnel are donning the spokespersons of the ruling party. The government is trying to mislead people on the issue that has triggered a massive outrage across the State," Mohanty said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Odisha Congress has also lambasted the senior cop for attempting to give a clean chit to minister Mishra during a press conference yesterday and demanded immediate arrest and removal of the minister from the State cabinet.
The party also sought a reply from BJD after showing a photograph of accused Gobinda Sahu with CM Naveen Patnaik.
"A fair probe is not possible as long as the minister is in power. Mishra should be dropped immediately and a case under Section 120 (B) of CrPc should be filed against him," Congress spokesperson Manoj Mahapatra demanded.