A day after Sambalpur Collector Mrinalini Darswal was allegedly assaulted and abused by lawyers, the State Government ordered a Crime Branch probe into the incident.
On Tuesday, district officials took out a rally protesting the assault. Led by ADM MD Bariha, they went to the office of the RDC (north) Kishore Chandra Barik where they submitted a memorandum.In the memorandum, the officials condemned the behaviour? of lawyers and demanded immediate action against them, including cancellation of their licences. Later, they held a meeting at the collectorate wherein it was resolved to resort to cease work if visible action against the lawyers was not taken.
On the other hand, members of Sambalpur District Bar Association (SDBA) called for Sambalpur bandh on Wednesday protesting “high-handedness” of the Collector. They also demanded her immediate suspension and transfer.
Speaking to mediapersons, SDBA president? Pramod Rath said that all business and commercial establishments, financial institutions and government offices will be closed down and vehicles won’t be allowed to ply. However, vehicles carrying students appearing for examinations and essential services, including railways, will be exempted.
Elaborating on her “high-handedness”, Rath said under Darswal funds were being forcibly raised for Red Cross Society and many people victimised.
