Bhubaneswar: A day after Jajpur district authorities carried out demolition of 'Rangasala'- the infamous guest house from where the body of Haridaspur in-charge panchayat executive officer (PEO) Smitarani Biswal was recovered months back, the Bharatiya Janata Party today targeted the ruling-BJD stating that the house was demolished to destroy evidence in the case.
Addressing a presser today, General Secretary of the BJP, Lekhashree Samantsinghar said that the Jajpur district administration is working hand in glove with the government which is why the demolition was executed so promptly.
"First the CCTV cameras were seized, and then all the materials that were recovered from the guest house were handed over to the wife of prime accused Rupesh Bhadra. All this looks suspicious.
It is also being alleged that whatever development is seen in the case, everything is controlled by a third-floor person. "From circumstantial evidence, it is suspected that the lady PEO Smitarani Biswal was murdered after being raped. But the SP dealt the case as per the directions of the third floor. The system of police investigation was not impartial or judicious as it was serious negligence on part of district administration. The State Women Commission also took a partisan stand and did not hand over the Smitarani death case to CBI."
"This apart, another thing that was shocking is the guest house was locked by Rupesh Bhadra's representatives and not the administration. We suspect BJD has links in the case," Lekha added.
Responding to the allegations, BJD said everything should not be politicised. "Earlier, questions were being raised as to why Rangasala was not demolished. Now questions are being raised after it was razed. The administration is doing its job. The incident should not be politicised," party spokesperson Subash Singh said.
It is pertinent to mention that the local Sarpanch’s husband Rupesh Bhadra had constructed the guest house illegally. The district Collector, citing a report of Tehsildar, had said that Rupesh Bhadra’s guest house 'Rangasala' is on government land. "Police investigation is still underway. Once the investigation is over, it will be demolished,” he had said.