BJP demands CBI probe into Kalandi murder

Reported by Chinmaya Dehury
Bhubaneswar, Jan 12:

Smelling a political conspiracy in the alleged murder of Kalandi Behera of Janata Nagar of Saliasahi slum under Ward number- 21, the state BJP today sought a CBI inquiry into case.
“Behera, who played an active role in the ward during the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections was murdered on January 10 due to political reasons. The case should be handed over to CBI as the Commissionerate Police is doing the bidding of the government,” said senior BJP leader Biswabhusan Harichandan eher on Sunday.
He also alleged that the house of BJP workers was vandalized during the election and he was threatened not to campaign for the party.
It is to be noted that an FIR has been lodged with the Nayapalli Police station in this regard on Thursday stating that BJD candidate Premananda Jena, after winning as Corporator from Ward number-21 defeating BJP candidate Nirmala Senapati, had molested the daughter of Nirmala’s relative on Friday along with his supporters. While they were misbehaving with the girl, Kalandi had managed to record the act on his mobile phone. In revenge, Premananda, Dhanu, Khaga, Tiki, Sudha and Jharia attacked Kalandi today and stabbed him to death inside a community hall at Nilachakra Nagar, the FIR said.
Asked about the rout of the party in the BMC polls, Harichandan alleged that the state government used government machinery and the electronic voting machines were rigged to ensure the victory of their candidates. He also accused the government of using money and muscle power in the polls.
The BJP, It may be noted, secured only four seats out of total 67 wards in BMC.
The BJD rubbished the allegation saying they are baseless. “The party is reacting out of frustrations. There was no rigging of EVMs or use of power. If the EVMs were tampered, then how win in four wards?” said Arun Sahu, BJD general secretary and Energy Minister.