The judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) court at Salipur has directed the inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Mahanga police station to complete the investigation into the sensational double murder case at the earliest.
The court also directed the IIC, who is the investigating officer (IO) in the case, to ensure that the CDR (call details record) of the accused is preserved and make them available before it during the submission of further investigation report for fair trial.
"The IO is again directed to take up speedy further investigation of the case and submit further investigation report as per Sec.173 (8) CrPC at the earliest," the court said in its order passed on Saturday (January 15).
The court however, rejected, a petition filed by the investigating officer on January 11, 2022 seeking remand for further interrogation of the two accused-Bhikari Swain and Khitish Kumar Acharya- who are in judicial custody at Salipur sub-jail in connection with the case.
The court said the two accused have been named in the preliminary charge sheet and the case has already committed to the court of the additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ).
"The accused persons have been committed for trial before the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Salipur and presently not in the custody of this court. Hence, the prayer of IO is rejected," the court said.
The IO has been directed to file the prayer before the appropriate forum.
"Ramakanta Baral had prayed to the court seeking direction to the IO to submit electronic evidence i.e. CDR before it. However, the court rejected the petition. The court said that the investigation is the prerogative of the IO. After completion of investigation he shall submit his report before the court," said Prabin Kanungo, the counsel of Baral.