Police inaction against hockey player Birendra Lakra resented 

Police inaction against international hockey player Birendra Lakra who was accused of killing his close friend Anand Tappo prompted the latter’s parents to hold a press conference on Monday seeking justice for their son.

According to Anand’s parents, Birendra committed the crime with the help of his girlfriend Manjit. “As police delayed to act against the hockey player, we held a press meet on Monday demanding investigation against Birendra.  Besides, we demanded action against Manjit”, Anand’s parents said. 

Anand’s parents claimed that Birendra and Manjit had killed their son and gave it a name of suicide. If police would track Manjit’s phone, truth would come to the fore.   

Accusing police of shielding Birendra, Anand’s father Bandhana said, “Anand’s body was found from an apartment on February 28. Though we filed a complaint with Infocity police in this regard, police had not received the complaint. We held the press meet because Infocity police are delaying the action against the accused. Police are suppressing the case.”

“We have written to Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief Minister of Odisha demanding a high-level investigation into it so that our son would get justice.

Bandhana had earlier said, “Anand returned to Bhubaneswar after getting married. The trio (Birendra, Anand and Manjit) was leading a happy life. On February 28, Birendra called me to inform me that Anand committed suicide. When our family members reached the spot, Birendra showed ignorance about the matter. From the prima facie evidence it was clear that Anand was murdered. Sensing Birendra’s hand behind Anand’s death, we went to file a complaint with Infocity police."

It may be mentioned that the former Indian Hockey Vice-Captain and Olympic Bronze medalist Birendra has joined as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Odisha Police on February 17. Thus, Bandhan is fearful that Birendra may suppress the inquiry once again.