BHUBANESWAR: Responding to the uproar over the incident of forcible removal of black stoles, scarves and shawls worn by women at the venue of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s meeting in Sundargarh district, the CM on Wednesday expressed regret for the “unfortunate” happening. Making a statement in the Assembly, Mr Patnaik said he was personally “shocked” by the “unfortunate” incident and had warned the state home secretary and director general of police (DGP) against a repeat of any such incident in future.
“I strongly share the concern of this august House on the issue of the behaviour of security personnel in removing black odhnis (overclothes) of girls during a government programme in Sundargarh district on the December 4,” Mr Patnaik said. “I was shocked to hear about this incident and warned the home secretary and DGP against such conduct which denigrates human dignity in future,” the Odisha CM said.
The DGP has been asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter and take appropriate action against the erring security personnel. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Western Range, Rourkela, is inquiring into the incident, he said. Stating that his government was sensitive and committed to empowering and preserving the dignity of women, the CM said he was against causing inconvenience to people while enforcing security protocol.
Earlier in the day, BJP members created ruckus in the Assembly, rushing to the well of the House as party member Radharani Panda’s request to speak over the issue was rejected by Speaker Niranjan Pujari. BJP MLA Rabi Nayak tried to snatch the Speaker’s microphone and some documents. Pujari adjourned the House first for 10 minutes and again for 20 minutes.
Security agencies, including Odisha police, incharge of the CM’s event at Mangaspur in Sundargarh district were, on December 4, seen forcing female participants to take off their black colour stoles and shawls before entering the meeting venue. Even though many of the women were visibly upset and protested, some women constables were seen pushing and shoving them in a bid to ensure no one uses garments as black flags or use them as a means to oppose the CM.
