Damodar Rout raises questions on Crime Branch probe in gangster Tito case

Bhubaneswar: Former minister and senior leader of ruling-BJD, Damodar Rout today stirred the hornet’s nest once again by questioning the Crime Branch probe into gangster Tito's businesses and connections. Damodar Rout said that Bapu Parida who has been arrested today for his association with Tito has no links with the gangster.

"A few years ago, he was charged in connection with a criminal case. As far as I know, Bapu has no links with Tito but was scheduled to depose as witness against some close associates of Tito. So to prevent him from deposing as witness, it is a conspiracy," said Rout.

Rout further added that everyone knows who had given land to Tito in Paradip and who has been using his supporters to collect extortion and spread 'goondagiri.' In my opinion, the crime branch should interrogate them first, he said.

The special task force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch arrested Bapu Parida today on charges of extortion and issuing murder threats.

Official sources said, Bapu who was the secretary of the Nirakar Dumper Association based in Paradip has around 28 criminal cases against his name including several cases of murder, firing, and abduction bid.