Rashmi Rekha Das

The controversy surrounding the death of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Zilla Parishad member Dharmendra Sahoo continues to accelerate with each passing day with opposition Congress on Friday demanding a probe by Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the case to bring truth to the fore. 

In a press meet, Congress Media Cell Chairman Ganeswar Behera said, “The state government is scared of brining truth to fore. Though the viral audio clips confirmed the involvement of Education Minister Samir Dash in the cash, he is yet to be brought under the purview of the investigation.”

“The police remain tight-lipped even after seizing the deceased’s mobile phones. Moreover, the police have not quizzed Dharmendra’s wife so far.  Had it been done, it could have unravelled the mystery behind Dharmendra’s death,” alleged Behera demanding a court-monitored SIT probe.

Further, Behera demanded resignation of School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash on moral ground. Else, the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik should suspend him so that he should not tamper with the evidence.   

Two days back, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had released an audio clip wherein Sahoo can be heard saying that for Minister Samir Ranjan Dash he would end his life. 

Deceased Sahoo talked to one named Akshaya Nayak, a journalist.  During the purported telephonic conversation, Sahoo named seven persons including Minister Dash, his wife and father-in-law as responsible for him taking the extreme step. 

BJP leader Prabhati Parida had brought this telephonic conversation to the fore at a press conference. It was Parida who targeted Minister Dash from the very beginning, alleging his involvement in Sahoo’s death case.

The BJP had also staged a protest by blocking Nimapada-Pipili Road near Dolabedi Square and demanded action against BJD leader and State School and Mass Education Minister Samir Ranjan Dash.

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