Bhubaneswar, 14/11:  Dasrathpur PEO Smita Rani Biswal’s mysterious death dominated the proceedings of the state assembly on the second day of its winter session on the Monday. The House witnessed a series  of  adjournment during the entire day today, before the issue was discussed in the form of an adjournment motion.

 The Opposition Congress members staged walked out in protest as the state government rejected its demand for a  CBI or SIT probe into the death of Smitarani . Although the  BJP members  did not participate in the discussion on the adjournment motion moved by the Congress on the issue, they however stormed the Well of the House seeking CBI probe into the incident.

Replying to the debate on the adjournment  motion, Minister of State for Home Dibyashankar Mishra said the death of Smitarani was a suicidal case. However, accused Rupesh Bhadra, husband of Haridaspur gram panchayat was arrested for abetment of the suicide.

Denying the Opposition allegation of  neglect in the case as the ruling party leaders were involved in the incident, the police had taken prompt action in the case.  Though the post mortem report concluded that it was a suicide case, the accused Rupesh Bhadra was arrested within three days of the incident on the charge of abetment of the suicide. “ The state government has always adopted a stand in all matters related to safety, security  and dignity of women. The state police is an extremely professional and dedicated force.Time and again, its efficiency has been tested and it has always delivered justice. We are committed to ensure a safe and secure environment for women in the state and will take all measures necessary to ensure this”, said the minister rejecting the Opposition demand fofr a CBI/ SIT inquiry into Smitarani’s death.

Earlier moving the adjournment motion on the issue, Congress leader Narasingha Mishra expressed his concern over the rise in crimes against women in Odisha. The state reported the highest percentage of rape cases in the country due to police laxity. The conviction rate was as low as 6 in a year, he said.

On the other hand, ruling BJD chief whip Pramila Mallick dared the Opposition to give facts to the investigating agency if they had prima facie evidence.