Four-Member Crime Branch Team Formed To Probe Death Of BJD Leader’s Aide In Puri

The Director General of Police (DGP) on Wednesday ordered an investigation by the State Crime Branch into the death of Chittaranjan Palai, a key aide of BJD leader and deputy chairman of State Planning Board, Sanjay Das Burma. 

“Director General of Police, Odisha has ordered that investigation of Puri Sadar case No 424 dated 12.122021 to taken over by Crime Branch, immediately,” read a press release issued by the Odisha Police headquarters.

Addressing the media, Crime Branch ADG Sanjeeb Panda said, “On the direction of DGP, the Crime Branch has taken over the case No-424 registered at Sadar police station in Puri. DSP Sisir Kumar Mishra will be the investigating officer and three officers- one inspector, one sub-inspector and an ASI will assist him in the probe.” 

“The team will proceed to Puri and begin the investigation. The team will collect all the documents from the local police about the investigation so far,” Panda added. 

Notably, the body of Chittaranjan, a native of Sanabandhakera village in Brahmagiri tehsil of Puri district, was recovered under mysterious circumstances from near Nuanai in Puri district on December 13. On the basis of the complaint of the family members of the deceased, Sadar police registered a murder case and launched an investigation. 

The family members of the deceased alleged involvement of Sanjay Das Burma in the case. In a complaint to Puri SP, the deceased’s uncle alleged that Chittaranjan had gone to have a feast with his friend Jagannath Sarangi alias Jaga on December 11 and did not return home thereafter.  

Two days later on December 13, his body was found floating in a channel of Bhargavi river. Alleging that his body bore several injury marks, Chittaranjan’s uncle alleged that he was murdered. 

He had demanded a Crime Branch probe and stringent punishment for the accused involved in the murder.