Former Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik joins JMM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 18:

Former Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Marik has taken a plunge into politics as he joined Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) recently, Marik informed media today.

The top cop attained superannuation in December last as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC).

“Yes, I have joined JMM in the presence of Sibu Soren, Hemant Soren and other top leaders of the party at Ranchi. After joining the party, I am always a candidate. My party will decide on it,” Sanjeev Marik said.

Marik who hails from Godda in Jharkhand is likely to contest polls from his ancestral place.

Notably, by-poll in Godda has been necessitated after the demise of BJP MLA Raghunandan Mandal who died in January this year following a cardiac arrest. Though the date hasn’t been declared yet, the by-election has to be completed within six months of the seat falling vacant.

It may be mentioned here that his father was into politics and was elected to assembly in 1957 from Godda constituency.

The former state police chief’s professional life was embroiled in several controversies. Even after his retirement also, the controversy did not spare him. Former IGP Anadi Charan Sahu had levelled allegations against Marik for his links with notorious gangster siblings Sushant and Sushil Dhalasamanta. Following this, Marik had filed defamation cases against Sahu.