Odisha CM condemns violence at Congress rally

Condemning violence at a Congress rally in Bhubaneswar, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday said the people of Odisha were shocked over the incident, in which a policewoman sustained injuries after being assaulted and allegedly molested by the mob.

"People are shocked over the incident that took place in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. 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 false allegations against the Biju Janata Dal 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 All India Congress Committee in-charge of Odisha Jagdish Tytler, on Thursday.

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

Ruling BJD women's wing president and Member of Legislative Assembly Pramilla Mallick said, "The lady constable was also molested by the mob of Congressmen. 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 cognizance of the incident, the chairperson of the State Women's Commission Jyoti Panigrahi also met the lady constable at the hospital.

"We have started 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 complaint with the police and demanded action against the culprits.