Police Mitra murder in Bhubaneswar: BJD demands judicial inquiry, BJP counters

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) demanded a judicial probe on Friday into the murder of Sahadev Nayak, a Police Mitra in Bhubaneswar, presenting an earlier video related to the incident as part of their call for an investigation.

The demands included an inquiry into a suspicious visit by some people in the name of police personnel to the victim’s private residence. BJD claims a message regarding threats to his life was previously sent to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-Bhubaneswar.

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“STF of Crime Branch was working as a dedicated team during the previous government. However, the anti-crime agency is not working properly now under the new government,” BJD’s Gautam Buddha Das stated while speaking to the media.

“This has raised the suspicion that police have joined hands with drug peddlers, as a result, murders like that of Sahadev Nayak are taking place. A police informer who had been raising his voice against the illegal drug trade was killed. A judicial inquiry alone will help bring the truth to the fore,” Das expressed.

The fatal incident has put the BJD at odds with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), drawing attention to legislators Babu Singh, Jagannath Pradhan, and Priyadarshi Mishra.

Police apprehended at least three suspects within 12 hours of the alleged murder and two more within a few hours thereafter. The BJP leaders assured that employment will be provided to the victim’s widow based on her educational qualifications.

BJP accused the BJD of politicising the incident during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention, highlighting that Bhubaneswar Mayor has welcomed the Prime Minister while preparations for protest are underway.

“We appeal to the BJD member brothers and sisters and say that ‘Rajneeti Ra Roti Sekantu Nahin’,” Bhubaneswar-Ekamra BJP MLA Babu Singh said in Odia in a presser.

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Besides, reports indicate operational disruptions of cleaning services within BJD-controlled areas, where the Opposition party has its corporators with allegations of inciting sanitation workers.

The BJP has cautioned against criticism without self-reflection, reminiscent of the saying that those living in glass houses should not throw stones. The saffron camp also mentioned the possibility of reopening Rishi murder case files.