Bhubaneswar: It seems trouble for BJD legislator Debasish Samantaray is far from over as police complaints have been lodged against him by Mahila Congress and several individuals at various police stations seeking his arrest. Samantaray has been in the eye of storm after the video of his misbehaviour with the kin of martyred CRPF Jawan Manoj Behera went viral.
While Mahila Congress lodged a complaint against Samantaray at Badambadi police station, another complaint was reportedly filed at the Khandagiri police station by one Subash Mohapatra of Khurda. Senior Congress leader Panchanan Kanungo has also demanded arrest of Samantray for showing disrespect to Pulwama martyr’s kin and sought apology from CM Naveen Patnaik. Besides, he has also sought expulsion of Samantaray from the party.
Meanwhile, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said Debasish has already apologised and the party will take a call on action to be taken against him.
In his complaint, Mohapatra stated, "The said accused Debashish had mercilessly attacked an old man during the conduct of last rites of martyr Manoj Behera in Ratanpur village in Cuttack on February 16, the video of which had also gone viral on social media."
"Debashish is responsible for crimes under 124A and several other heinous offences and the video of his act has now surfaced in Pakistan media."
It is pertinent to mention here that Azad News, a Pakistan-based TV channel had recently telecast the visuals in which Samantaray is seen shoving the relative of Pulwama martyr Manoj Behera during the conduct of last rites on February 16.
Mohapatra in his complaint also mentioned that he had apprised Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik about the matter through Twitter, but no action was taken against Samantaray. "I have tweeted this matter to Naveen Patnaik who is the master of the said accused Debasish, and it is evident that he kept silence for his political gains and motive as the crime event committed by his syndicate member would bring hatred against the Central government."
"I request the police to kindly investigate the matter and bring them to court of justice. As both of them are anti-national and highly powerful, I being a fellow citizen also apprehend danger to my life and family. Therefore do needful for our protection and martyr's family by arresting them immediately," the complainant stated.