Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) Chairperson Minati Behera on Monday informed that OTV managing director Jagi Mangat Panda would again appear before the commission in connection with the minor girl rape case in Bhubaneswar.
Behera said that Panda deposed before the OSCW on Monday responding to a notice served on her after an audio clip of the conversation between her and the rape victim’s mother went viral. But Panda pushed back midway citing a prior engagement.
“A fresh notice will be issued to her through the DCP again. She could not stay for the hearing and went back submitting a written statement citing an earlier engagement. Investigation into the case is underway,” said the OSCW Chairperson.“Pursuant to the notice dated 14 September, 2020, I appeared before the commission at 11 am and stayed till 11.30. As no one turned up and I was not attended by anyone for any kind of inquiry, I had no other option but to leave for my office due to other meetings,” Panda stated.
After deposing before the commission, she said, “My utmost concern is for the minor girl. The allegations of heinous acts must be thoroughly investigated and if found to be true, the persons concerned no matter who they are, should be given exemplary punishment.”
Notably, the case pertains to the rape victim’s mother’s allegation that her daughter was gang-raped by several persons, including an OTV staff, for days together during the recent lockdown period in Bhubaneswar when the victim’s mother was a receptionist at the OTV.