Even as the opposition BJP demanded his resignation over a Salipur minor's rape, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday assured the Assembly of strict action against the accused.
Patnaik expressed grief and shock over the girl's death and said: "I will see to it that strict action is taken against the accused. Also, Rs 5 lakh has been given to the bereaved family," Patnaik said.
The six-year-old girl of Salipur in Cuttack district died on Sunday after struggling for life for more than a week at the SCB Medical College and Hospital.
The girl was reported missing after she went to a shop near Jagannathpur Nodal Upper Primary school to buy chocolates around 6 p.m. on April 21. The accused lured her away with a chocolate. She was later found lying unconscious in the school compound in Salipur area.
The accused was arrested within 24 hours of the crime, Patnaik said.
"I would like to send my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and I repeat, I feel deep anguish at this terrible incident," the Chief Minister said.
The Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday staged a demonstration to demand justice for the family. They burnt Patnaik's effigy and demanded his resignation.
--IANS
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