Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Sarmistha Rout, the prime accused in cameraman Manas Swain murder case.

In a bid to avoid possible arrest, Sarmistha had moved the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Bhadrak police had yesterday arrested two persons-- former Information & Public Relation (I&PR) Director (Technical) Niranjan Sethi and his associate Ranjan Nayak-- in this case.

Earlier, three accused– Bhagyadhar Nayak, Vivek Nayak and Krushna Chandra Nayak– were apprehended by the police over their alleged involvement in the murder.

“Niranjan Sethi, who is a retired OIS Officer, is accused of conspiring to murder Manas Swain, physical assault and disposing of the body following murder,” informed Bhadrak Additional SP Jatin Panda.

Also read-- Lensman Manas Swain Murder: Former Odisha I&PR Director Arrested.

However, Sarmistha Rout, who allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping and killing, has gone absconding and was yet to be apprehended.