Odisha govt does not believe in vindictive action: Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said his government does not believe in vindictive action against anybody even as Opposition parties accused the administration of punishing honest police officers for "not fulfilling the political agenda of the ruling party."
"We never hesitate to take action against anyone, however powerful he may be, if he is found guilty of any commission or omission.
"By the same token, my government does not believe in vindictive action against anybody, unlike the previous government and also unlike what we have witnessed in many other states," Patnaik said while replying to an adjournment debate on the law and order situation in the state.

The issue was debated in the Assembly where the Opposition Congress and BJP accused the state government of creating a group of police officers who dance to the tune of the ruling party leaders.
"While the officers are punished for not fulfilling the political agenda of the ruling party, a section of them are protected even if involved in heinous crimes," said Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra of the Congress.
Citing a case from his native district Balangir, he said, "A police officer in Balangir district has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman police officer. I have drawn the attention of Director General of Police (DGP) and the Chief Secretary, but no action has yet been taken against the erring officer."

The Congress leader alleged that the government did not take action against the police officer as he was instrumental in distribution of cash for the ruling BJD during the elections.

Senior BJP member and party's state president K V Singhdeo pointed out how the government refused to book former Kendrapara SP Satish Kumar Gajbhiye despite being found violating human rights several times.
The same officer has also been accused of police excesses at Namtara village in Kendrapara district, he alleged.
The Opposition leaders were critical of the police excesses on Belabahali villagers who had protested the location of a bridge.