MLA to file affidavit in Pipili 'rape' case

CUTTACK: The Justice P Mohanty commission, probing the alleged Pipili rape case, issued a notice to Pipili MLA Pradip Maharathy on Monday, asking him to file a detailed affidavit on the incident. The commission also directed the state DGP and home secretary to file affidavits in the matter by October 31.
The commission's direction came in response to petitions filed by a lawyer Nishikant Mishra and the victim's father. Both of them had alleged that local MLA Pradip Maharathy was involved in the incident as he had shielded the accused persons.
"Taking cognizance of the petition, the commission has issued notice to Pipili legislator Pradip Maharathy, asking him to file an affidavit stating his stand on the incident," said an official of the commission.
The 19-year-old dalit girl was allegedly raped and attempts were made to murder her by strangulation at Pipili on November 29, 2011. Since then the victim was in a comatose state. She died in June after struggling for life for nearly six months at the ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.
So far, as many as 40 affidavits have been filed before the commission in the case. The next hearing of the commission will be held on October 31.