Odisha CM directs cops to drop all charges against 'egg attacker'

BHUBANESWAR: Days after the attempt to murder charge was dropped against Rajashree Kamila for hurling eggs at Naveen Patnaik during a rally in Balasore on January 31, the chief minister on Sunday directed the police to withdraw all other charges that had been slapped on her at the time.

Patnaik's directive came amid criticism from opposition parties who questioned the need for pressing serious charges against the woman. Besides Section 307 (attempt to murder), the police had also imposed Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 294 (obscene acts), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of duty), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 506 (criminal intimidation) against Rajashree who is undergoing treatment at SCB after she was allegedly thrashed by BJD workers while she was being led away from the rally site by the police.

Following the chief minister's intervention, it's expected that all charges would be dropped against the woman who has been granted bail by a Jaleswar court two days back. Police sources said this is the first time such an official directive
has come from the BJD government to withdraw a case.

"We will follow the legal procedure to withdraw the charges against Rajashree following the CM's directive," director general of police RP Sharma said. Police sources said there is a provision under Section 321 of the CrPC wherein the prosecution can request the court that it is not interested to proceed with the trial against the accused.

Speculation is rife the opposition outcry forced the government hand ahead of the February 24 Bijepur bypoll. Moreover, Rajashree's health too is a concern, having given birth to a boy just eight months back.

Reacting to the chief minister's directive, Rajashree said the BJD government would collapse. "I was humiliated and dragged by police like Draupadi. The BJD will be destroyed just like the Kauravas," she said.

The government gesture failed to placate the BJP with senior leader K V Singhdeo tweeting, "This is just to fool the people of Odisha, if Naveen babu was serious abt giving justice 2 women he should ordered immediate arrest f violators f Kunduli victim."

Congress said Naveen wanted to draw public sympathy ahead of Bijepur bypoll. "The police had slapped attempt to murder charges against some Youth Congress supporters for hurling eggs at Naveen's vehicle here in 2015. That time Naveen did not show any concern for the attackers. This time he directed the withdrawal of cases against the woman just to elicit political mileage ahead of Bijepur bypoll," Congress secretary Manoj Mohapatra said.

BJD, meanwhile, said Naveen showed his generosity by forgiving the woman. "The CM is committed to the safety, security and dignity of women in the state," party spokesperson Sasmit Patra told the media.