Police atrocity in Odisha these days can be compared to that of the British police during pre-Independence India, remarked Athagarh BJD MlA and former Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain while speaking on the occasion of the Kranti Divas here on Sunday.
In an obvious reference to controversial godman Sarathi Baba, he condemned the cheats who exploit the simplicity of the innocent people and the rulers who shield people like them. He demanded that a committee be formed to trace the ruling party members who had links with Sarathi Baba.
He said that the police acted in a brutal manner in Kendrapada for safeguarding the Baba and sought the police to maintain self-restraint.
Swain also said that the State's present economy is being controlled by a moneyed few for which the dream of an egalitarian society remains unfulfilled. He recalled great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Bose and Bhagat Singh who sacrificed their lives for the cause of India's freedom and development. He cited that at Haripura village of Gujarat, a statue of Subhas Chandra Bose is not unveiled because the villagers have not yet got a suitable person.
Others who were present in the Kranti Divas ceremony included Athagarh Bar Association president Binaya Kumar Shukla, Gadajat Parikrama president Pranakrishna Dash, secretary lalatendu Senapati and advocate Adwaita Charan Panda. A seminar was held.