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Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Mar 11:
A day after gangster Raja Acharya, convicted in the sensational murder of judo coach Biranchi Das, was granted bail by the Supreme Court, the latter's wife Gitanjali today alleged threat over her life.
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This apart, she demanded protection for herself and five other witnesses.
"Security for the eyewitnesses and my family has been removed gradually over the last two months. After knowing that Raja has been granted bail, I feel very insecure,” she said.
On the other hand, Odia music album actress Leslie Tripathy also alleged threat over lives of self and her family members.
"I would demand security cover for my family through a written letter," Leslie said.
Meanwhile, Twin City Police Commissioner YB Khurania said the matter will be examined after receiving bail papers.
"The concerned parties need not to panic. Protection will be provided to them if sought in writing," Khurania said
The gangster, who is lodged in the Jharpada Special Jail here for nine years since May 28, 2008 after being accused of the judo coach’s murder, is expected to be out on bail within a week.
According to Raja’s counsel Shiva Shankar Mishra, judo coach Biranchi Das was murdered on April 13, 2008. Police had lodged a murder case at the Badagada police station in this connection. In the same year, Badagada police arrested Raja Acharya from Goa on May 28. Later in 2011, the Bhubaneswar District and Sessions Court convicted Raja in the case and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, Raja had petitioned the High Court challenging the lower court’s verdict. Since the matter did not come up for hearing in the High Court in the last eight years, Raja had appealed in the Supreme Court which granted him bail.
It may be mentioned here that Raja had allegedly murdered judo coach Biranchi Das over his one-sided love affair with Leslie Tripathy. The incident had led to shock waves in the state.
Police had also arrested Chagala, an associate of Raja in connection with the judo coach’s murder.
