Bhubaneswar: The House Committee constituted to probe Delhi-based journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra’s alleged anti-Odisha remarks Friday decided to issue a notice asking Iyer to appear before the panel next October 11.
The six-member panel headed by Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra Friday held a meeting and decided to summon journalist Abhijit Iyer Mitra over his alleged derogatory remarks against Odisha, its places of worship and the lawmakers.
Leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra, who is also the chairman of the committee, said, “The committee today decided to serve notice to him. He will be requested to depose personally at 11 am October 11 in Room No 54 of the Assembly.”
The six-member committee sought Iyer Mitra’s deposal after recording the statements of Odisha DGP, Director of Intelligence, and head of two media houses Friday, Mishra said.
“Taking into account evidence and statements of the witnesses… a prima facie has been made against Iyer Mitra. The committee would like to hear his version in regard to alleged derogatory remarks made against the state, Konark Temple, Jagannath Temple and the lawmakers,” he added.
Iyer Mitra had come to Odisha September 15, apparently at an invitation of former MP Baijayant Panda. After touring Puri, Konark and Chilika, he allegedly posted derogatory remarks on social media insulting the state, its culture and tradition and the lawmakers.
He was arrested by Odisha Police, with help of Delhi Police, September 20 on charges of outraging the religious sentiments of the people. A Delhi court later granted him bail on a bond of Rs 1 lakh and directed him to join the investigation at Konark police station. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has extended the interim relief given by the HC to October 5.
The House panel, comprising BJD MLAs Debi Prasad Mishra, Pramila Mallick, Arun Sahoo, Sanjay Das Burma and BJP legislature party leader KV Singh Deo, was constituted September 20, the day Iyer Mitra was arrested.
It is scheduled to submit its probe report on the first day of the next session of the Odisha Assembly.