Bhubaneswar: The BJP on Tuesday claimed that the Home department was behind the escape of the dreaded gangster Sheikh Hyder.
Briefing the media, BJP state general secretary Lekhashree Samantsinghar alleged that the jail authorities, in gross dereliction of their duty, had facilitated the escape of the gangster.
“How come that a hardened criminal who is serving two life terms in the Circle Jail in Sambalpur was frequently allowed for admission to the SCB Medical College and Hospital on the false pretext of treatment? How the police allowed him to use the mobile phone and keep the cash with him? Besides, how the gangster was served with ‘biryani’ while undergoing treatment?” Lekhashree asked.
Stating that in the absence of adequate security to keep a close watch on the gangster, some of his gang members and girl friends could meet him frequently, she said taking the opportunity of poor security, he escaped from the hospital. “As there is no doubt that some senior bureaucrats were involved in the escape of the gangster, there has to be a thorough investigation. Let the Chief Minister intervene in the matter and take the guilty officials to task,” she demanded.
Commenting on the statement of the BJP leader, BJD spokesperson Elina Das said the former has vented her frustration after she was deprived of a party ticket for the ensuing bypoll to Pipili constituency.
“To stay relevant, the BJP leader has the habit of giving baseless and false statements to the media. We hope that good sense will prevail on her and she should realise that she has become a laughing stock for her unfounded statements,” Das added.
