Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 13: Giving clarification on alleged involvement of handlooms, textiles and handicrafts minister Snehangini Chhuria in an abduction case — as alleged by the opposition members — the State Government Friday said the FIR lodged by Durga Ranabida, in the case of his father Sugri Ranabida’s abduction, had no mention of Chhuria.
“The FIR lodged by Durga Ranabida, son of Sugri Ranabida at the police station January 26 on his father’s abduction had named three persons — Sadananda Karmi, Ali Satyanarayana and B Rana. The name and involvement of the handlooms minister Snehagini Chhuria did not figure anywhere in the FIR,” said Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Aarukh to the Assembly. He further said that while the case is being investigated by the IIC, Bheden police station, it will be now under the supervision of SDPO Bargarh.
Meanwhile, Arukh assured the House that during the course of
investigation, if it is found that the complaint was registered late,
action will be initiated against the
police official concerned.
In his statement he refuted
allegations levelled against the state government by the opposition that the state government was shielding the minister in the case.
The clarification of the state government came after a ruling of Speaker Niranjan Pujari Thursday. The Speaker has asked the state government to reply to the allegation brought by the Leader of Opposition from Congress Narasingha Mishra that it was shielding the minister despite her involvement in the abduction case. The House had been adjourned twice following the ruckus created by Congress over this issue.