Staff Reporter
BERHAMPUR: The Orissa unit of the CPI(M) has started a signature campaign demanding CBI inquiry into female foeticide and fake drugs racket continuing in the State.
It was declared by the State General Secretary of the party, Janardan Pati at a public meeting organised in the city on Friday evening. This meeting was convened in protest against Government’s alleged inaction to curb female foeticide and fake drugs racket.
The CPI(M) cadres will collect more than 10 lakh signatures in support of the demand for CBI inquiry by the end of this month. The signature drive had started from Bhubaneswar on Thursday. A memorandum,
demanding CBI inquiry will be submitted to the Governor along with these signatures.
Mr Pati termed the recent crime branch inquiry ordered by the State Government regarding these issues as an eye wash as the State Home portfolio was held by the Chief Minister. He added that the fake drug manufacturers had hinted at the involvement of top officials and leaders of the ruling parties in the racket during interrogation. He alleged that the fake drugs market in Orissa was over Rs. 1,500 crores per year.
The CPI (M) State Chief added that if their demand for CBI inquiry into these issues was not fulfilled then they would opt for State wide agitation, demanding resignation of Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik.
State secretariat member of the party, Jagannath Mishra, Ganjam district secretary, Kalu Panda and leaders of CITU also attended this public meeting.
