Pipili Gang Rape & Murder: BJP demands Pradeep Maharathy's dismissal; gives 24-hour ultimatum

Bhubaneswar: Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today gave an ultimatum to the State government, saying that the party will hit the streets if minister Pradeep Maharathy is not dismissed within 24 hours for his 'insensitive' comment on the Pipili gang rape and murder incident.

Addressing a presser here at the party headquarters, BJP leader Aparajita Sarangi termed the comment of Maharathy on the incident as unfortunate and saddening.

A day after two accused in the 2011 Pipili gang rape and murder case were acquitted due to lack of evidence, minister Maharathy on December 25 hailed the court’s verdict and said that truth finally prevailed. His statement drew sharp criticisms with the Opposition accusing the ruling-BJD of being responsible for the alleged miserable and deteriorating condition of women and girl children in the State.

[caption id="attachment_294144" align="aligncenter" width="746"] File Pic: Odisha Minister Pradeep Maharathy[/caption]

It is pertinent to mention that the 19-year-old girl was found unconscious and semi-naked in a paddy field on November 28, 2011. Later, she succumbed on June 21, 2012 after remaining semi-comatose in SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Following widespread resentment over his statements, Pradeep Maharathy later in the day expressed regret for his statements hailing the acquittal of the accused in Pipili gang rape and murder case.