Bhubaneswar: Parvinder Pal Singh, the Sikh businessman who was brutally attacked by three miscreants in front of a PCR van staff on Tuesday afternoon in Laxmi Sagar area of the capital city, today expressed concerns over his safety after the accused were released on bail Wednesday night.
It may be noted that the three persons, including Deepak Jena who is reportedly the nephew of a former BJD corporator, his associates Sankar Rout and Deepak Mohanty were arrested on Wednesday evening after an FIR was lodged at Laxmi Sagar Police Station earlier in the day yesterday.
However, hours after their arrest, the trio was released on bail by the Bhubaneswar SDJM court. Expressing shock over their release, the victim said even though they tried to murderously attack him, police did not book them under the attempt to murder section.
"I have no faith in police because the accused were released on bail despite trying to kill me as they were not charged under IPC Section 307. There is no guarantee that they might also kill me and my family so I feel insecure," said Parbindar.
https://youtu.be/NPGn6-qOc1g
Surprisingly, a copy of an FIR registered against the accused which is available with Parvinder showed that police have booked the three assailants under 294, 341, 323, 336, 337, 379, 506 and 34 of IPC but not under Section 307 of IPC.
In a related development, Singh also revealed before OTV that some people visited his apartment yesterday late night but as his family did not respond, they returned away. The same people also visited their house today and assured them that there is nothing to fear.
Interestingly, footage of CCTV installed in front of Parbindar's apartment showed MLA Ananta Narayan Jena and DSP Anup Kanungo visiting his house late yesterday night.
Asked about the incident, the victim said, “Some people started knocking on my apartment’s door at around 1.15 AM which continued till 2.30 PM. I was not in my senses at that time. However, my wife and children were frightened with their late-night visit and did not open the door. They again visited our house today and consoled me saying that the police is for my safety and the attackers will be punished. He told me that the CM is with me and asked me to not get afraid."
“Later, I got the information that the attackers were released on bail. What kind of safety the police officials are trying to give me. Though I had brought murder allegations in the FIR, how can they be released so early? I was brutally attacked, what are the police officials doing? I have lost faith in the judicial system. My wife, children and me are feeling really insecure. I might get murdered at any time,” stated Singh.
Taking to Twitter, Odisha Congress chief Niranjan Patnaik said, " I strongly condemn the violent assault on Parvinder Pal Singh in front of the police in Bhubaneswar. This is clear dereliction of duty by the police. Legally, it can also imply complicity of the police in this crime. Cases must be booked against the police personnel under relevant sections of the law. What is the purpose of such a police force if it can't protect citizens?"
Similarly, BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan alleged that BJD leaders are involved in the incident.
As soon as speculations of BJD links over attack on Parvinder began to do rounds after their midnight visit to his house, MLA Jena clarified that "As I am the local MLA, I paid a visit to Singh's house to express my sympathy for him and prayed for his good health. I also held talks with his family. The matter is under investigation and law will take its course."
Meanwhile, condemning the assault on Parvinder, Orissa Sikh Pratinidhi Board said, "Vested interests are trying to connect the incident with Mangu Mutt and giving it a different colour." Notably, Akali Dal spokesperson yesterday had tweeted that Parvinder was attacked for protesting Mangu Mutt demolition.
On the other hand, Akali Dal Spokesperson, Manjinder S Sirsa has threatened saying "We will not remain silent till Parvinder doesn't get justice. We will take to streets if Odisha government doesn't resolve the matter, and if required, we will stage demonstration at Odisha Bhawan."
Later in the day, BJP leader Jagannath Pradhan filed a complaint at Laxmi Sagar Police Station against Bhubaneswar Central MLA Anant Jena & DSP Anup Kanungo alleging that they both visited victim Parvinder Pal Singh's house late last night to threaten him.