In a high drama, a couple from Nayagarh district on Tuesday attempted self-immolation outside the State Assembly alleging denial of justice in the case of abduction and killing of their five-year-old daughter, the echo of which was also heard in the House as opposition BJP and Congress came down heavily on the State Government.

The incident took place when the House was discussing the State’s prevailing law and order situation. Ashok Sahu and his wife Soudamini from Jadupur village in Nayagarht were, however, rescued by the security personnel deployed outside the Assembly.

Though the couple had poured oil on their bodies, they were prevented from lighting the matchstick. Ashok alleged that their daughter Pari was kidnapped while she was playing near home on July 10. Her skeletal body was two weeks later found in the backyard of their house with eyes gouged out and kidneys removed."Though we lodged a complaint at the Nayagarh Sadar police station, no action was taken,” he said.

And he alleged that Minister Arun Sahoo from the district is shielding the accused Babuli Nayak in the incident as the latter is a ruling BJD worker of Nayagarh and very close to the Minister, the Sahu couple further alleged."We had even named the accused at the grievance cell of the district SP and the Collector, but no measure was taken to punish the accused." Ashok stated, adding that the police "bowed down to political pressure".He also alleged that the accused and his associates attacked them on October 26 as he refused to withdraw the complaint in connection with the case."Although the police arrested 10 people for attacking us, it spared the main accused," he claimed.

The issue was raised in the House by Congress Legislature Party Leader Narasingha Mishra demanding a statement from the Government on the matter.Alleging breach of security, Mishra said the Home Minister must come out with a statement and inform the House as to how a couple could bring kerosene oil and reach near the Assembly building.  “Is it not a case of intelligence and police failure? Are we all in the House safe? What will happen if someone could reach the Assembly with a bomb,” Mishra asked.

Congress Whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati said, “The couple came here after being denied justice in Nayagarh. Why police remained silent for more than three months to take action against the main accused.”“The Chief Minister should take action against the Minister who has been named by Pari’s parents,” he said. Leader of Opposition Pradipta Kumar Naik of BJP said Pari’s parents have alleged that a Minister’s key persons were involved in the case. “Let the Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister, inform the House on the role of the Minister,” he said.