Police complaint lodged against Dama Rout for 'beggar' remark

Puri: Protests against Agriculture Minister Damodar Rout's 'beggar' remarks on Brahmins have taken a bigger  proportion with a group of Brahmins lodging a police complaint against him here on Thursday.

The activists submitted a written complaint to the Town police here alleging that the Minister is trying to mislead people by giving such derogatory remarks.

The group of Brahmins also warned that they will oppose the Minister's scheduled visit to the pilgrim town on December 26. Besides, restriction will be imposed on his attendance at various meetings in Puri in the future, stated an activist.

Earlier in the day, the Minister had sought an apology for his remarks through a video posted on social media.

It may be mentioned here that Rout, during an event in Malkangiri recently, had stated that tribals never ask for anything; rather Brahmins beg for alms, if situation arises. The statement did not go well with the Brahmin community in Puri who later  staged a protest here demanding his suspension.