New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Taking suo moto cognizance of media reports on the alleged murder of schoolteacher Mamita Meher in Odisha’s Kalahandi district, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday directed Odisha DGP Abhay to ensure a time-bound fair investigation in the matter
The women’s panel also directed the Odisha Police to provide security to the family of Mamita Meher, “considering the involvement of influential people in the matter”.
It noted that the prime suspected escape from police custody on Sunday night was allegedly aided by Minister of State for Home Dibya Shankar Mishra.
In a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma highlighted that Ministers Dibya Shankar Mishra and Pratap Jena were using their mighty positions for exploiting and sexually harassing women and manipulating police investigation in the case.
Condemning the murder of the woman teacher in Mahaling of Kalahandi district, NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma has also written to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. In the letter, the NCW highlighted that Ministers Dibya Shankar Mishra and Pratap Jena are using their “mighty positions for exploiting and sexually harassing women and manipulating police investigation in the case”.
The Commission Chairman also requested the CM to personally take cognisance of this case and remove both the ministers to enable the police to conduct a fair and just investigation without any undue influence.
Union Minister Dharmendra Prashan has also urged the CM for stern action against the culprits involved in the kidnapping and murder of the teacher.
He said that the owner of Sunshine English Medium School, where Mamita was working, is believed to be the main culprit in the case and serious allegations levelled by the victim’s family are even more disturbing. “Involvement of ministers as being reported by media in her death is utterly shameful,” he tweeted with the hashtag #JusticeforMamita.
Responding on behalf of the ruling BJD, Pramila Mallik said that action will be definitely taken against whosoever’s involvement is proven. “If the Minister is involved, he will face action too,” she said and questioned whether his registration will resolve the matter.
