BJP Mahila Morcha activists on Friday banged red bangles near official residences of Minister Pratap Jena, MLA Akash Das-Nayak and BJD leader Muna Khan as mark of protest against the State Government’s failure in ensuring safety to women and justice to rape victims.
“Accused persons involved in the Pipili gangrape case were acquitted due to lack of evidence. Former Minister Pradeep Maharathy and Crime Branch officials have a hand in acquittal of the accused. The Crime Branch has failed in nabbing culprits in 90 per cent cases,” alleged Morcha State president Pravati Parida.
Stating that the Chief Minister has not listened to the Morch’s demand for a CBI inquiry into the Pipili gang-rape, Parida said, “Bangles are a symbol of strength of women. If the Chief Minister and his Ministers don’t muster up courage to take action against culprits, then they should once wear bangles to get courage,” said Parida.
Among others, Morcha vice-president Kananbala Patnaik, secretary Rashmirekha Das, treasurer Bijayalaxmi Mohapatra, Subhashini Patnaik, Diptimayee Das, Bishnupriya Behera and Purnima Das participated in the agitation.
Parida threatened that the Morcha would offer red bangles to the Chief Minister on January 20 if he doesn’t order a CBI probe into Pipili case and tender an apology before women community by then.