Bhubaneswar: The BJP Mahila Morcha continued its protest today against Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy for his comments hailing the verdict in Pipili gang rape and murder case.
The activists of the BJP Mahila Morcha tried to gherao Naveen Niwas, the official residence of chief minister Naveen Patnaik today demanding action against the minister. However, tension erupted after police tried to prevent the agitators leading to a scuffle just 30-feet away from Naveen Niwas.
Reportedly the activists were on their way to put up posters near Naveen Niwas protesting Maharathy's statements on Pipili gang rape verdict. “If the minister does not tender his resignation, BJP Mahila Morcha will intensify the agitation and hit streets every day,” BJP Mahila Morcha leader, Rashmirekha Das said.
Several activists were later taken into preventive custody by the police.
Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Samir Das termed it as a political drama of BJP to hoodwink the female voters ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Earlier yesterday, the women’s wing of the saffron party tried to gherao Naveen Niwas holding bangles and trained guns at Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik demanding resignation of Maharathy.
Similarly, on Monday, the activists gheraoed the Crime Branch headquarters in Cuttack alleging lapses in investigation that led to acquittal of two accused in Pipili gang rape and murder case.