Crime Branch probing Odisha RTI activist murder: Minister

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Feb 9:

Cornered by the Opposition Congress, the Odisha government today informed the Assembly that the murder of RTI activist Krupasindhu Sahu is being probed by the Crime Branch of police.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh informed the House that three accused have been arrested and efforts are on to nab the main accused, who is on the run since the killing of the RTI activist of Nacchigaan village under Niali police limits in Cuttack district.

Probe into the killing of the activist has been handed over to the Crime Branch police, Arukh said in the Assembly.

The prime accused Kartik Pani, was earlier jailed on murder charges and is allegedly involved in five other cases. Efforts are on to arrest him,” Arukh said.

“He was in jail and has been released about six months ago. I have no connection with him. I was elected to the Assembly one year ago. How can he be my man? He is an Opposition man,” Niali MLA Pramod Kumar Mallick said.

It may be recalled that the Assembly witnessed uproarious scenes during zero hour on Saturday with Opposition Congress demanding a statement from Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the issue.

The Speaker had given a ruling asking the Chief Minister to give a statement on the issue on Monday.