Bhubaneswar: In a major twist to the suspense over the release of gangster Raja Acharya on bail in connection with the murder of Judo coach Biranchi Das, the District and Sessions Court here on Wednesday rejected his bail plea in a 2010 kidnap and extortion case. Earlier in the day, the court had heard the case and reserved its verdict.
Court sources, following Wednesday’s development, said, even though the Supreme Court (SC) had granted Acharya bail in the sensational murder case of Biranchi Das, he can’t be released out of jail as the court rejected his bail plea in a different case in which Acharya is the prime accused. Raja has been charged of extorting and kidnapping one employee of a vehicle showroom here in the capital city.
Besides, the court is yet to hear a case in 2009 in which Raja has allegedly had given life threat to the brother of Ollywood actress Bidhusmita. He is also ‘involved’ in a firing incident in the same case.
For Commissionerate Police, Acharya’s bail rejection seems to be a relief as it wanted to strengthen both the cases against the gangster.
“We are keeping a close eye on the entire situation,” said Police Commissioner YB Khurania.
Meanwhile, the twin-city police have provided security to Gitanjali Panda, wife of the slain Judo coach after she approached the police regarding the same. Police sources said, one Havildar and two armed constables have been deputed for the security of Panda, who had sought security after Acharya was granted bail by the apex court six days ago.
“Yes, I am feeling little bit secured but I am worried about my family,” Panda said adding the State government must take up the case seriously.
Acharya is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted for the murder Das. He is lodged in Special Jail at Jharpada since May, 2008. The District and Sessions Court which was also the Trial Court in the case, has imposed multiple conditions on his release.
Acharya will have to surrender his passport with the Trial Court during the period of his stay out of the prison. He has to inform about his movement within the City to local police stations concerned. The bail order will be cancelled if Acharya is found indulging in any form of criminal activities or intimidating any of the witnesses in the case, including Das' wife Gitanjali Panda.