Ex-BJD MP’s flip-flop on Kunduli gang-rape

BHUBANESWAR: Former Rajya Sabha member and president of Scheduled Caste Cell of the BJD, Bishnu Charan Das, on Friday sparked off a controversy alleging that personnel of anti-Naxalite combat force Special Operations Group (SOG) may have been involved in the gang-rape of a minor at Kunduli in Koraput district.

He, however, denied having made such a statement soon after. Pointing out that his statement has been misinterpreted, Das said the committee of Scheduled Caste Cell of BJD had visited the area for an impartial inquiry into the incident and submitted its report to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The committee has demanded that steps should be taken by the State Government to give justice to the minor girl.

Das said during the visit of the team to the area to ascertain facts, local people maintained that security personnel are involved in such type of incidents. He said the situation in the area is tense because of the sensitiveness of the incident.

Criticising the police for their failure to nab the culprits even so many days after the incident, Das demanded their immediate arrest. He also demanded immediate financial assistance to the family of the victim. Stating that security should be provided to the victim and her family members, Das said the State Government should take steps for the education and social security of the girl after she is discharged from hospital.

State secretary of the BJP, Dilip Mallik criticised the silence of the Chief Minister over the issue. If the statement of Das is true, it is dangerous, he said. Meanwhile, Congress leaders continued their dharna in front of Raj Bhavan demanding immediate arrest and judicial probe into the incident. The dharna entered second day on Friday.