Pandemonium over denial of debate on crime against women

Pandemonium prevailed in Odisha Assembly today after the speaker denied permission for a debate on the rise in crime against women in the state leading to adjournment of the house for over two hours.
Opposition Congress which had served a notice seeking a debate on rise in crimes against women, was refused permission by speaker Pradip Kumar Amat.
"As the subject matter of the debate is not of recent occurrence, permission was denied," Amat said.
The issue was raised by Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh when the house assembled.
However, he remained silent as the speaker requested him to speak during the question hour.

Singh again raised the issue during zero hour and protested the speaker's decision of not allowing a debate on the matter.

"There have been rapes and crime against women at many places. At least four women are raped in the state every day. It is a matter of concern for all of us," he said.
Singh said above 10,000 women have been raped in the state ever since the BJD government came to power and the rate of conviction was very low.
Criticising the state government, Congress member S S Saluja claimed although 1103 rape cases were registered in different police stations, chargesheet had been filed only in 13 cases.

"It would have sent a good message had we discussed the matter on the International Womens' Day today," he said.