HC asks CBI to submit probe status report on Pravat Biswal’s arrest

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court today directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to submit an up-to-date status report of a probe into alleged links between arrested BJD legislator Pravat Biswal and Seashore Group of Companies.

While hearing on a bail plea moved by the Choudwar-Cuttack MLA, the court also asked the central investigating agency to submit the legislator’s medical examination report before it during the next hearing on November 23.

Biswal was admitted to the Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar during last week of September after a preliminary medical examination was conducted by the Jharpara jail doctor.

On November 1, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Orissa High Court raising doubts on the health condition of Biswal who is undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Petitioner Sudhansu Sekhar Parida claimed in the PIL that Biswal got himself admitted in SCB by using his political powers and is leading a comfortable life in the presence of his party men and family members. The petition also seeks health examination of Biswal by AIIMS doctors to verify his health condition.

Immediately after Biswal’s arrest in September, the CBI was granted a five day remand of the MLA. But as he complained of illness, Biswal was admitted to the Capital Hospital and on September 25 was shifted to SCB after his condition deteriorated. The MLA has been staying in the hospital since then.