BJP holds 12-hr Sundargarh bandh, demands CBI probe into lady Asst Collector, ASI deaths 

The Sundargarh district unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a dawn-to-dusk bandh across the district today over the mysterious deaths of Assistant Collector Sushmita Minj and ASI Alisha Lugun. 

Demanding a CBI probe into the deaths of the Assistant Collector, who was working at the Rourkela ADM office and the ASI of Uditnagar police station, the BJP Mahila Morcha and the BJP Adivasi Morcha have given the 12-hour bandh call. 

The members of the two morchas were seen picketing at strategic locations in the district from early morning. The impact of the bandh is visible in the district headquarters and Bonai, Gurundia, Lahunipada and Koida blocks, throwing normal life out of gear. 

While educational institutions, markets, shops and business establishments have downed their shutters, vehicular movements on the roads have been affected. Hundreds of vehicles are seen stranded on both sides of the roads. Similarly, buses are also seen parked in bus stands. 

Notably, the body of Assistant Collector Sushmita Minj was found under mysterious circumstances in the pond of the Centurion Park under Plant Site Police limits in Rourkela on September 19 evening. Her mother had alleged that she was murdered.

On the other hand, Alisa Narmi Lugun had gone to an accident spot on October 1 when she felt uneasy and was rushed to the hospital. However, doctors declared her dead upon arrival. 

The sudden death of a hefty and healthy police officer had raised serious questions. In this regard, an FIR under Section 302 of IPC has been lodged at the Uditnagar police station. 

The family members of the ASI alleged a bigger conspiracy and suspected her death to be interlinked with that of Rourkela Assistant Collector. They suspect the involvement of Rourkela ADM Dr. Subhankar Mohapatra, Sundargarh Collector Gavali Parag Harshad, Gurundia BDO Bernadeth Lakra and Sundargarh CDPO in the mysterious deaths.

However, Rourkela SP Mitrabhanu Mohapatra on Wednesday ruled out any connection between the death of the assistant Collector and the lady cop.