Puri Triple Murder An Unfortunate Incident, Naveen Tells Assembly

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday said the murder of three persons of Sadanandapur near Pattnaikia Chhak in Puri district was an unfortunate incident.

The Chief Minister said this in the Assembly while making a statement by the ruling of the Speaker in response to an Opposition demand.

He said police have apprehended six accused and begun a manhunt to nab the others.

“Adequate force has been deployed in the area to maintain law and order and give protection to the families of the victims,” he told the House.

The Chief Minister further said that initial investigation has revealed that the victims and the accused were distantly related to each other and there was a long-standing land dispute between their families.

He informed the Speaker that police have been taking prompt action in all reported heinous offences. “Special drives are being conducted regularly against criminals and organised crimes,” he added.

Maintaining that the law and order in the slate was largely peaceful, the Chief Minister said there has been a significant improvement in the fight against left-wing extremism (LWE) in the state.

Citing other instances, he said the recent elections in the state were conducted peacefully due to proper security arrangements. Besides, during Cyclone Fani, Odisha Police had successfully maintained law and order in the affected areas and also assisted in relief and restoration activities.

“My government is fully committed to protect the life and property of all citizens and ensure the maintenance of law and order in the state,” the Chief Minister asserted.