TV
Kendrapara police on Sunday arrested two journalists for abetment to the suicide of a 50-year-old man whom they allegedly framed in a false rape case in Kendrapara district.
The accused have been identified as Pratik Mishra, reporter of an Odia news channel and Babuli Mallick, the editor of a YouTube channel.
As per police sources, Banshidhar Mishra hanged himself from a tree on Thursday after being accused of raping a woman.
The police found a suicide note in which he blamed the two journalists and the 31-year-old woman for his death. The woman, prompted by the accused duo, had lodged a rape case against the deceased.
Police Action
Police reportedly swung into action after the deceased's wife filed a police complaint against the three, holding them responsible for her spouse’s death.
As per reports, Patkura police has sent the body for post-mortem with the help of a scientific team and started an investigation into the incident.
The police are searching for the woman, the third accused in the case.
Villagers Stage Protest
The family members reportedly alleged that Banshidhar had been murdered. Following the allegation, hundreds of Garadpur villagers staged a road blockade demanding justice for the family members of the deceased and action against the accused.
Later, they withheld their protest after the police pacified them and promised action against the culprits.
Must Read: 3 arrested over assault on journalist in Bhubaneswar
"We are suspecting that Banshidhar has been murdered by the accused," said Brajakishore Mishra, a relative of the accused.
"He was a humble and honest person. We are suspecting that he was been murdered by the accused who demanded money from him in a false case," said a villager.
The villagers have threatened to intensify their protests if stern action is not taken against the culprits.
"We are investigating the matter. Stern action will be taken against the culprits," said Patkura IIC Mohammed Jamshed.
