Dharmendra Pradhan renews demand for CBI probe into Kunduli case

  • | Tuesday | 10th April, 2018

The crime branch repeatedly asked the journalists to reveal the source from where they got the SFSL report. We are investigating into the leakage of SFSL report. "Three of our journalists were grilled for hours by the crime branch at its office. Since OTV carried the story, we wanted to record their statements," said a crime branch officer. "We had called the three journalists to record their statements as witnesses.

BHUBANESWAR/KORAPUT: Reiterating his demand for CBI probe into alleged rape-suicide of Kunduli girl, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday slammed the state government for failing to deliver justice to the victim, who allegedly committed suicide on January 22.Instead of arresting the accused, the government and police are out to harass people over alleged leak of the girl's forensic report from state forensic science laboratory (SFSL) instead of finding out the cuplrits of the henious crime, Pradhan told mediapersons after meeting the girl's family members in Koraput district.Pradhan was referring to the crime branch's summon to three journalists of OTV, a private news channel, and their subsequent questioning here on Thursday in connection with leak of the SFSL's preliminary report.The crime branch said it accords due respect to the media. "We had called the three journalists to record their statements as witnesses. They were never treated as accused or suspect. We are investigating into the leakage of SFSL report. Since OTV carried the story, we wanted to record their statements," said a crime branch officer. BJD leader Jhina Hikaka flayed Pradhan for 'politicising' the issue."The state government has showed all seriousness in the Kunduli case . Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has already ordered a court-monitored special investigation team (SIT) probe," Hikaka said.In a statement, OTV has described the crime branch's move as a brazen effort to muzzle the voice of media. "Three of our journalists were grilled for hours by the crime branch at its office. The crime branch repeatedly asked the journalists to reveal the source from where they got the SFSL report. This is an attempt to throttle the freedom of press," an OTV release said.

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