State Commission for Women (SCW) has held the Pradesh Congress responsible for the September 6 violence at ‘Parivartan’ rally and recommended that lady constable Pramila Padhy, who was brutally assaulted, be compensated by the State Government.
Chairperson of the Commission, Jyoti Panigrahy who submitted the inquiry report on Saturday, mentioned in her recommendations that the Government may provide compensation to the lady constable for the ‘loss of her modesty’ as it feels fit and proper. The panel also said departmental award for good service may be given to her which will encourage other women to work efficiently.
The Commission took note of the allegations and counter-allegations filed in connection with the incident and suggested that the Crime Branch of State Police could be handed over the task of investigation of all cases to avoid any complication and confusion.
In her report, Panigrahy maintained that terms and conditions of the licence issued for the rally were violated by the participants.
Though the leaders were aware that breaching the barricades was unlawful, they broke them and entered the prohibited zone and indulged in violence.
Panigrahy targeted Congress leader Jagdish Tytler for his provocative speech which she said led to the violence. Had Tytler, who is in charge of the organisation in the State, not used such provocative words, situation would not be so serious, the report said.
The SCW report recommended strong action against persons ‘directly and indirectly’ responsible for the assault and outraging the modesty of Padhy be identified at the earliest and proceeded against. For violation of the terms and conditions of the licence for a peaceful demonstration, she called for strong action.
Those who committed the crime and those who abetted should be acted against, the inquiry report said.
Giving clean chit to the police for their handling of the situation, Panigrahy said neither the Chief Minister, State Government nor the DGP is responsible for the incident because police, vested with magisterial powers, were deputed and took appropriate action.
Panigrahy also recommended against permitting agitational programmes or rallies at Lower PMG Square since it causes severe inconvenience to the common people.