BJD MLA records his statement in 2002 murder case

Bhadrak: BJD's Dhamnagar MLA, Muktikant Mandal deposed before the Court of the Additional District Judge (ADJ) in Bhadrak today and recorded his statement in connection with the murder of Niranjan Jena in 2002.

Niranjan from Sugo village under Basudevpur police limits of Bhadrak district was allegedly abducted and murdered on November 3, 2002. Deceased Niranjan’s uncle, Duhsashan Jena had filed a case against 6 persons including Muktikant Mandal. However, police had excluded Muktikant’s name from the charge-sheet following which Duhsashan moved the Orissa High Court.

On September 19, 2016, after the High Court ordered the Bhadrak Sessions Court to name Muktikant as an accused and conclude its hearing within 6 months, the Dhamnagar MLA had sought an anticipatory bail from the High Court which was rejected on October 20, 2016 and he was directed to surrender before the lower court.

Following the order of the High Court, Muktikant surrendered in the ADJ court on October 27, 2016, but was immediately granted bail.