Cong demands Naveen’s statement on death of Rayagada DWO

The proceedings of Odisha Assembly were on Wednesday stalled amid four adjournments as members of opposition Congress attacked the government over alleged suicide of an official in Rayagada district and sought a statement from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The issue related to the death of Dhaneswara Prusty, District Welfare Officer (DWO), Rayagada, was raised during Zero Hour by opposition chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati, who demanded a ruling from the Speaker and a statement from the Chief Minister. Opposition MLAs accused the District Collector and project officer of ITDA (Integrated Tribal Development Agency), of exerting mental pressure on the officer who committed suicide in his office on Tuesday.