In a significant development in Bhubaneswar, the father of a minor girl who was a victim of rape and murder has approached the Odisha government, seeking immediate intervention to halt the release of an upcoming Odia film. The distressed parent met with Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo on Tuesday, presenting a formal letter that urges authorities to impose a ban on the movie, which he alleges is directly inspired by his daughter's tragic case.
Father's Plea to Deputy CM
The father expressed grave concerns that the film has been produced without obtaining his consent or that of his family, and it is being promoted even as the legal proceedings related to the case are actively ongoing in the High Court. He emphasized that allowing such a film to be released would not only disrespect the judicial process but also cause immense emotional distress to the bereaved family.
"The case is pending in the high court and, until the court delivers its final verdict, we will not permit any film to be released on this sensitive matter," he stated firmly to the media after the meeting. He further alleged that the film misinterprets the details of the crime, potentially leading to public misinformation and trivializing the severity of the incident.
Government's Response and Previous Appeals
Deputy CM KV Singhdeo has assured the father that he will forward the letter to Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, whose department oversees the administration of the Odia film industry. This move indicates that the state government is taking the complaint seriously and may consider regulatory action.
Prior to this meeting, the father had also approached Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, requesting him and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj to personally screen the film and verify whether it is indeed based on the 2020 rape and murder incident in Nayagarh district. In addition, he has written to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Chief Secretary Anu Garg, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.
Controversy Surrounding the Film
The controversy erupted when the lead actor of the film, during a recent music release event, publicly acknowledged that the storyline is inspired by the rape and murder of the minor girl in Nayagarh. This revelation has sparked widespread debate and concern, with many questioning the ethics of commercializing such a sensitive and unresolved case.
The film is scheduled for release on January 30, adding urgency to the father's appeals. The situation highlights broader issues related to media ethics, victim rights, and the intersection of entertainment with real-life tragedies, especially when legal matters are still sub judice.
As the Odisha government reviews the plea, stakeholders in the film industry and legal experts are closely monitoring the developments, which could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. The father's persistent efforts underscore the ongoing struggle for justice and dignity for victims and their families in such harrowing circumstances.
