Protesting against Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy’s remarks on the Pipili gangrape and murder incident, members of the Mahila Congress on Thursday hurled tomatoes and eggs at the official residence of the Minister here.
Shouting slogans against the Minister and the State Government, the Mahila Congress members holding brooms tried to barge into Maharathy’s residence. A scuffle ensued between the protestors and the police. Later, police took several agitators into preventive custody.
Sources said Maharathy was not present at home during the demonstration. The Mahila Congress members alleged that Government-sponsored hooliganism is prevailing in the State. “Has the Government any reply on the Pipili case? The Government is only shedding crocodile tears for women’s empowerment. There is no respect for women,” said the agitators.
Notably, Maharathy, in the wake of a court verdict acquitting two accused brothers of their involvement in the gangrape and murder case, had, allegedly sarcastically, remarked that the victim has now “got justice”. Maharathy as the Pipili MLA and a Minister, was alleged to have tried to shield the rapists and murderers.
Besides, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday gave an ultimatum to the State Government that the party would take to the streets if Maharathy is not dismissed within 24 hours for his ‘insensitive’ comment on the Pipili gangrape and murder incident.
Addressing a Press conference here, BJP Mahila Morcha State president Pravati Parida said, “Maharathy has hurt the sentiments of 4.5 crore people of Odisha with his irresponsible comment.
“The BJP will hit the streets if Maharathy doesn’t resign or he is not dismissed from his position within 24 hours. We also demand a CBI investigation into the gangrape and murder and security for the victim’s family,” she said.
BJP leader Aparajita Sarangii said, “It’s surprising and alarming that a Minister of the Naveen Patnaik Government, which is vouchsafing for a 33-per cent reservation of women in Legislative Assemblies and Parliament, made such an insensitive comment.”
Later, in the evening the BJP members held a candle rally from the party office to Master Canteen Square. However, BJD leader and Minister Maheshwar Mohanty said it is right to protest after the court’s decision on the matter, but the protests are politically-motivated.