Pari Murder Case: Minister Arun Sahoo Says Heart-Broken Over Incident, Welcomes CB Probe

Bhubaneswar: Amidst the Opposition demand for his resignation over the murder of a 5-year-old girl ‘Pari’ in Nayagarh, Minister Arun Sahoo on Thursday said that he was completely shattered by the incident and wants the truth to come out so that the culprits are punished and the girl gets justice.

In his statement before the House, Sahoo welcomed the Odisha government’s decision to hand over the probe of the case to CID, Crime Branch as it will ensure justice for the victim’s family.

“It is a sensitive issue & the matter should not be politicised. During my entire political career, I personally do not support any kind of violence. I welcome the Crime Branch probe decision by the State government and hopeful that justice will be delivered,” said Sahoo.

The Minister further said, “My aim is to see that the family of Pari gets justice. The persons who are involved in the crime should not be left free. I urge everybody not to politicise the matter but rather our focus should be on unravelling the truth.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the Odisha Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes as the Opposition parties including the BJP and Congress today demanded the resignation of minister Arun Kumar Sahoo for allegedly shielding the prime suspect in the murder of the five-year-old girl.

Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro had to adjourn the House twice following the ruckus created by the opposition legislators.

'Pari' murder has devastated & left me heart-broken. I condemn violence & welcome the Crime Branch probe into the incident. Whoever is/are the culprit(s) shall be punished so that the girl gets justice & truth is revealed

-Minister Arun Sahu in his statement in #Odisha Assembly pic.twitter.com/W2lR9tfXzj

— OTV (@otvnews) November 26, 2020

Earlier on Tuesday, the deceased girl’s father Ashok Sahoo and mother Saudamini attempted self-immolation outside the Odisha Assembly alleging that they have been denied justice due to the inaction by the police and apathy of the administration. The couple accused Minister Arun Sahoo of protecting the accused Babuli Nayak.

The incident sparked a massive public outrage in Odisha with the Opposition political outfits targeting the State government for the alleged lapses in investigating the murder case.

(Edited By Suryakant Jena)