Odisha Law minister resigns following dowry torture charge
Bhubaneswar, Mar 15 : Embroiled in a dowry torture case, Odisha Housing, Urban Development and Law Minister Raghunath Mohanty today submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
Mr Mohanty drove to Naveen Nivas, the residence of the Chief Minister this morning, and tendered his resignation after his daughter-in-law Varsa Swasty Choudhary alias Varsha Mohanty filed an FIR at the Town Police station, Balasore, late last night, alleging dowry torture against the miniter and his family members.
The daughter-in-law of the Minister named Mr Mohanty, his wife Preetilata Mohanty, son Rajashree Mohanty, daughter Rupashree Madhual and son-in-law Suvendy Madhual in the FIR.
The issue rocked the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly as the Opposition Congress member demanding a statement from the Chief Minister stalled the business of the House today forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House at 1048 hours to 1130 hours.
The daughter-in-law had stated in her FIR that the Minister and his family members had demanded Rs 25 lakh in cash and a scropio vehicle as dowry.
The Minister's son was married Varsha on June 24 last year.