BJP’s Odisha in charge and former Union minister D. Purandeswari on Thursday met the parents of the five-year-old Pari, who was kidnapped and murdered last July, in their vi llage in Nayagarh district and assured them that her party would fight for them till they get justice.
Soon after meeting the parents — Ashok Sahoo and Saudamini Sahoo — Purandesw ari launched a scathing attack on the Odisha government for its failure to give due justice to the family. Even she questioned the formation of special investigation team (SIT) formed by the Odisha government to probe into the matter.
“The SIT and its head have no judicial powers. Without the requisite power, how can they investigate such a sensational murder case? We suspect of the involvement of the organ smuggling racket,” she said.
She said: “As minister Arun Sahoo who hails from Nayagarh district has been accused of shielding the accused involved in the case, a CBI probe only can reveal the truth.”
Soon after meeting the parents, she joined a sit-in protest launched by the BJP district unit in front of the Nayagarh district collector’s office. Earlier, BJP National spokesperson Sambit Patra had met the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the BJP announced to organise a padayatra across the state from December 15 demanding justice for Pari.
Pari went missing on July 14 while playing near her house. Later her skeletal remains were found dumped in the bushes behind the house. As the police failed to initiate any criminal action in the matter Pari’s parents attempted suicide by setting themselves ablaze in front of the Odisha Assembly on November 24. Ever since the issue has been in focus.
In a related development, the Orissa High Court on Thursday directed the Nayagarh SP to provide security to local sarpanch Soumya Ranjan Pradhan within seven days and inform the court about the threat perception to Pradhan within 15 days.
Pradhan shot into limelight after he publicly claimed that minister Arun Sahoo had given protection to the prime accused involved in the case. Later apprehending threat from the minister, he had approached the High Court seeking security cover for him and his family members. “Every one is aware of the gruesome murder. I will always stand for the truth and not be cowed down,” Pradhan told reporters.
