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Controversial Orissa advocate general quits

Orissa Advocate General Indrajit Ray, whose dismissal has been a major issue for all Opposition political parties in the state for being chargesheeted by the Central Bureau of Investigation in a molestation case, today resigned from his post.

Chief Minister J B Patnaik accepted his resignation and was announced by state Law Minister Raghunath Patnaik in the Orissa assembly as the Opposition Janata Dal squatted inside the well along with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA demanding the advocate general's immediate dismissal.

The chief minister later told the media that Ray came to him at 1030 hours and tendered his resignation which was immediately accepted.

He immediately informed the state law minister to take the House into confidence and announce the acceptance of the resignation as the issue has rocked the assembly for quite a few days.

When asked about the Opposition allegation that he had been protecting the advocate general despite repeated demands for his dismissal, the chief minister said he had only stated that mere filing of a chargesheet did not mean that the person was guilty.

Patnaik said a chargesheet was also filed against him, but he was found not guilty of the charges. "This was my stand and I still stand by it."

UNI

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