A day after Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy tendered an apology for his statement over the acquittal of two accused in the Pipili gangrape and murder case, the Mahila Congress on Friday once again lashed out at him, saying his apology was a "sponsored" one and he, in fact, has no regrets whatsoever.
Pradesh Mahila Congress president Sumitra Jena said, "Maharathy's apology was fake and our party will continue its agitation until the Minister resigns from his post or is removed. He tendered an apology, but his opinion on the verdict hasn't changed."
Similarly, BJP MLA Rabi Nayak said the Minister's statement on the sensitive incident is highly unfortunate. His party would make it an issue against the State Government.
In reaction, BJD spokesperson Samir Dash said Maharathy has already expressed regret for his statement and there should be no further controversy over it.
On Thursday when the activists of the Congress and the BJP sought a CBI probe into the Pipili gangrape and murder and demanded Maharathy's resignation, the Minister apologised saying, "I express regret if my statement has hurt anybody. I had no intention to hurt anyone. I am a plain-speaking person."
Notably, following the acquittal of two brothers accused in the 2011 incident due to lack of evidence, Maharathy on December 25 hailed the court's verdict and said that truth has finally prevailed. "I welcome the court judgement. It is victory of the truth. The victim girl got justice."