Bhubaneswar: Safety and security of women and vulnerable groups are top priorities of the State government, stated Parliamentary Affairs minister Bikram Keshari Arukh on behalf of the Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik in the State Assembly today.
“Rape cases are being considered as Red Flag cases and special lawyers will be appointed. Apart from this, police have been directed to take immediate action on these complaints,” the minister stated.
He also informed that the accused in three rape cases in Cuttack, two in Kendrapara and one in Soro have been arrested.
In 2017, conviction rate in rape cases has increased to 16.90%, the minister said.
On the murder of a woman by her husband on the Sambalpur District Family Court premises, the minister stated that police have been asked to make elaborate arrangements for security inside courts.
Earlier in the day, Opposition leader, Narasingha Mishra had stated "There is no law and order in the State. Even life of those who visit court to get justice is not safe. The government should clarify what steps it has taken to provide safety and security to people on court premises.”
Toeing on similar lines, BJP legislator Pradip Purohit said, “The State government is utilising police as party activists. Law and order situation in the State has deteriorated which is evident from the sword attack inside a court in Sambalpur.”
Government chief whip Amar Prasad Satpathy on the other hand stated, “The government will take concrete steps to ensure security within court premises.”