Lathicharge probe: Cops threaten non-cooperation

CUTTACK: Peeved over the inclusion of representatives of the Sevayats in the committee probing the alleged police action in Puri against a section of the priests on July 4, the State police constabulary has announced its non-cooperation to the inquiry. The constabulary has rejected the administrative inquiry instituted by the Government in the wake of the July 4 incident stating that the sevayats were party to the conflict by virtue of their being complainants and, therefore, cannot be part of the probe team. The Government has included two representatives from the Chatishanijog in the Committee.  “How can we be assured that the probe would be free and fair when the complainants are allowed to be part of the inquiry team. The complainants and opposing parties cannot be part of the inquiry committees under any law. And if the sevayats’ representatives were included, there should have been representation from the constabulary side too,” president of the Orissa Police/OSAP Havildar, Constable and Sepoys Confederation Padmanav Behera told mediapersons here on Saturday. The Confederation also warned that an agitation would be launched if any vindictive action is taken against the constabulary for non-cooperation with the probe which it termed as “sham and unconstitutional”. It also demanded revocation of the suspension of the four policemen charged in the lathicharge incident at the chariots. The Confederation charged the Government and temple administration with giving in to the pressure tactics of the sevayats every time. The incident was the outcome of this approach of the temple administration. The preparation and coordination committee decisions prior to the Rath Yatra every year are disregarded during the festival as the meek administration sways to the whims and fancies of the Sevayats.  This time too, though, all evidence points to the sevayats’ misdeeds leading to the police action, they managed to pressurise the administration by resorting to strike and not conducting the rituals. “While demanding a neutral and independent probe, we also call for involving the constabulary in the coordination committee for Rath Yatra. The constables and havildars are the main personnel on the ground manning the law and order as well as regulating the conduct of the festival,” secretary Manoj Patnaik said.