Odishatv Bureau

Bhubaneswar: Jagatsinghpur superintendent of police S Debadutt Singh on Monday appeared before the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in New Delhi to apprise the body of the development in the case against Paradip MLA and former Agriculture Minister Dr Damodar Rout for allegedly making casteist remarks.

Besides Singh, Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarei, MLA Bishnu Das and convenor of Ambedkar Anusuchit Jati Janajati Sangh Manoj Bhoi who is also the complainant appeared before the commission today.

While appearing before the chairman of the commission P L Punia, Debadutt Singh informed him that charge sheet has been filed on June 8.

"The hon`ble commission wanted to know about the progress of the case. A charge sheet has been filed under SC/ST(prevention of atrocities) Act," Jagatsinghpur SP S Debadutt Singh said.

After the meeting, Jagatsinghpur MP and MLA exuded confidence that they will get justice. On the other hand, Dr Damodar Rout said, he has faith in the judiciary.

"The case is in final stage after the intervention of the commission. We are grateful to the body," Jagatsinghpur MLA Bishnu Das said.

"I hope that court will hear the case soon and take and exemplary step against him," Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarei said.

"I believe in the constitution of the country. I have not done any unlawful act and I respect the judiciary. I can not comment further on it," senior BJD leader Dr Damodar Rout said.

It may be recalled that Rout was embroiled in controversy over alleged making anti-Dalit remarks during a public meeting at Kujang on August 18 last year. He allegedly uttered the word ‘Harijan’ against Bighu Prasad Tarei and Bishnu Das which triggered outrage among the scheduled caste groups.

Following the incident, FIR was registered on August 21, 2010 at Kujang police station against Dr Rout. Later, National Commission for Scheduled Castes intervened into the matter.

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