Upset over alleged inaction of the State Human Rights Protection Cell (SHRPC) in filing chargesheet against her in-laws and husband who were arrested for allegedly torturing her for dowry last year, Barsa Swony Choudhury, daughter-in-law of former Minister and senior BJD leader Raghunath Mohanty, met State Commission for Women (SCW) chairperson lopamudra Buxipatra, seeking justice on Tuesday.
“Nearly one year has passed since the case was registered against my in-laws and husband. Unfortunately, the SHRPC, entrusted to carry out the investigation, is yet to submit chargesheet,” said Barsa, who also on January 14 had met SHRPC ADG BK Sharma, seeking immediate submission of the chargesheet.
Barsa said, “I suspect that the SHRPC will not submit charrgesheet till the ensuing Assembly elections are over. Since my father-in-law is a ruling party MlA and a powerful politician, further proceeding against him might spoil his political career and that is the reason behind the delay.”
Barsa, who came with her father Kishore Kumar Choudhury and other family members, too urged Buxipatra for security at her rented house in Bhubaneswar and refund of her gold ornaments which was given as dowry.
“My father-in-law, mother-in-law and husband are threatening me through various forums and channels. Despite my repeated appeals, the authorities are yet to take any prompt action in filing chargesheet against them,” Barsa alleged.
Urging Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik not to give a party ticket to her father-in-law, Barsa alleged, “Since there is a rumour that I am interested to contest the ensuing Assembly polls on Congress ticket from Basta constituency, the BJD Government is not showing any sympathy to me.”
Notably, Barsa Swony had accused her husband Rajashree Mohanty, father-in-law Raghunath Mohanty, mother-in-law Pritilata Mohanty, sister-in-law Rupashree Madhual and brother-in-law Suvendu Madhual of torturing her physically and mentally for dowry.
This high-profile case, which led to the resignation of Raghunath from the Naveen Patnaik’s Cabinet, was handed over to the SHRPC for an impartial inquiry.