Activists seek CBI probe into Odisha gang rape case
Social and political activists on Monday staged a demonstration in Bhubaneswar seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the alleged gang rape of a woman in November last year in Puri.
Activists gathered at Mahatma Gandhi Park here say the victim will not get justice through a probe by the police’s crime branch and a one-man judicial commission.
“The government should launch a CBI probe since powerful persons were involved,” said Prasanta Patnaik of Odisha Gana Samaj, which spearheaded the protest. Patnaik said demonstrations were also held at other parts of the state.
A 19-year-old woman was allegedly gang raped on November 28 last year near Arjunagoda village, 10 km from the state capital.
Her family said the rapists had also assaulted her in 2008 and she had been putting up a “determined fight” in court in a molestation case.
She was also allegedly denied proper treatment at a hospital.
Case history
The incident had sparked a political storm, forcing agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathy to resign on January 19 on moral grounds.
Opposition parties and the girl’s family alleged that he was shielding all the accused.
Police have arrested four persons.
According to the activists, the accused are connected with some officials in senior positions in the government, and they are enjoying the protection allegedly offered by these officials.
