Uproar in Odisha Assembly over murder of RTI activist

Bhubaneswar, Feb 7: The Odisha Assembly on Saturday witnessed pandemonium with Opposition Congress, demanding a statement from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the alleged killing of RTI activist Krupasindhu Sahu at Niali in Cuttack district.

The issue was raised by Congress member Naba K Das during the zero hour. Seeking a ruling from the Speaker, Das alleged that the state government was attempting to shield the culprits as the murder allegation was made against the local BJD MLA, local Block Office, and police.

Stating that there is an attempt to "hush up" the matter, the Congress member said even as 11 days had already passed since Sahu's killing, no one was arrested.

Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra of Congress cautioned that no one would raise voice against corruption, if the killers of Sahu were not booked.

Sahu, also a farmer, had sought information regarding cultivation in Niali area. Therefore, he was killed and his body buried, he said.

"As the Chief Minister is also in charge of the Home department, he should make a statement in the House," Mishra said demanding a ruling from the chair.

As Speaker Niranjan Pujari remained silent on the matter, angry Congress members stromed into well and shouted slogans against the government. When Congress members attempted to climb the speaker's podium, Pujari adjourned the House twice, for 10 minutes in first phase and for another 30 minutes in second phase.

When the House reassembled at 12.30 hours, Pujari in his ruling directed the state government to make a statement on the matter relating to Sahu's killing in the forenoon session on Monday.

PTI