Naveen not to file affidavit before probe panel: Govt

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik as state home minister would not file an affidavit before the Pipili Judicial Commission of Enquiry as demanded by the counsel of the rape and murder victim's father.
A home department official yesterday informed Justice P K Mohanty Commission through an affidavit that all executive action of various departments of the state government are expressed by the secretaries of the departments concerned.
The affidavit said that as per the Rules framed by the State Governor under Article 166 of Indian Constitution, the home secretary has already filed an affidavit in this regard.
"Therefore, there is no need for the minister of the department to file any further affidavit," the government said adding the State DGP and several other police officers, including the then Puri SP have also made affidavits on the matter before the Commission.

Counsel for the victim's father Nishikant Mishra was, however, not satisfied with yesterday's affidavit of the state government and sought the permission of the Commission to file a rejoinder to the government's contention. Accordingly, the Commission allowed Mishra to file his rejoinder on February 25, the next date of hearing.
Meanwhile, cross examination of the victim's father by government counsel on the day could not complete and the same may be taken up again on February 25, sources said.
Victim's father reiterated his allegations before the Commission on the day that it was for the negligence of the police and doctors that his daughter suffered and eventually died without getting justice.