Patna: Women organisations Friday demanded immediate resignation of Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi for ruling out a CBI inquiry into BJP MLA Rajkishore Keshari`s murder and allegedly using `unsavoury words` against Rupam Pathak, who stabbed the man to death.
The women organisations also served an ultimatum to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to break his silence over the incident and initiate action against Modi.
If Kumar did not respond favourably to their demand in 24 hours, the women would take to the streets and block busy Dak Bungalow crossing at 3 pm tomorrow, they said.
`Aao Bahina`, `Kamkaji Mahila Association`, `Varsha`, `Mahila Samiti`, `Manavadhikar Sanghathan` gathered under the banner of `Bihar Womens` Network` and flayed Modi for trying to scuttle a CBI probe and `belittling` Pathak by dubbing her a `blackmailer`.
Bihar Women Network spokesperson Nilu said the other demands included intervention of National Human Rights Commission and National Women Commission, ensuring that human rights were not violated during Pathak`s judicial custody and security cover to Rupam and arrested editor Navlesh Pathak`s family.
Navlesh, editor of a Purnia-based English weekly `Quisling` had been arrested after his name figured in an FIR lodged by Sudip Keshari, nephew of the slain MLA and an eye witness to the killing, alleging conspiracy.
The chairperson of Bihar unit of All India Democratic Women`s Association, Rampari during the day demanded a CBI probe into the murder case, the role of Modi and immediate release of the journalist.
The association would organise a demonstration at Purnia on January 11 to press for its demands, she added.
PTI
