Naveen Patnaik condemns violence at Congress rally

Bhubaneswar, Sept 7: Condemning violence at a

rally here, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said people of

were shocked over the incident in which a woman police sustained injury after being assaulted and allegedly molested by the mob.

"People are shocked over the incident that took place in Bhubaneswar yesterday. Odisha is known for its peaceful atmosphere," Patnaik said.

Stating that violence of such nature should be condemned, Patnaik said, "the Congress has the habit of making a false allegation against the BJD government ever since the regional party came to power in 2000."

At least 262 persons, including 60 security personnel, were injured in a clash between police and Congress workers during the rally addressed by party's senior leaders, including AICC in-charge of Odisha, Jagdish Tytler, yesterday.

A woman police constable who was deployed at the rally venue was dragged and pushed down by the mob where she was allegedly molested.

The ruling BJD's women's wing president and MLA, Pramilla Mallick said, "The lady constable was also molested by the mob of Congress men. We demand stringent action against the culprits."

Mallick visited the private hospital and talked to the victim who was in a state of shock following the incident.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the incident, the Chairperson of the State Women's Commission (SCW) Jyoti Panigrahi also met the lady constable at the hospital.

"We have started an investigation into the matter. The manner in which a woman police person was heckled and assaulted needs to be condemned," Panigrahi said, adding that she would submit a report on the incident.

Meanwhile, the family members of the lady constable said they would lodge a formal compliant with the police and demanded action against the culprits.

PTI