Odisha HC rejects BJD MLA’s bail plea

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Oct 20:

The Orissa High Court today rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Odisha ruling party MLA from Dhamnagar Muktikanta Mandal, who is an accused in a murder case.

The High Court which conducted a hearing on the BJD MLA’s bail petition today directed him to surrender before a subordinate court.

The High Court further directed the lower court for the trial of Mandal along with other accused in the murder case.

Notably, one Niranjan Jena of Sugo village under Basudevpur police station limits was allegedly kidnapped and beaten to death by 20-25 men, including Muktikanta Mandal and Nepal Barik, on November 3, 2002.

Deceased Niranjan’s uncle Dusashan Jena had lodged a complaint with the police alleging involvement of Mandal and five others in the murder.

However, the police in its charge sheet excluded the name of Mandal and another. Challenging it Jena had moved the High Court.

The High Court on September 19 directed Bhadrak Sessions Court to make Mandal an accused in the murder case and finish the trial within six months.

Following the High Court’s direction Mandal had moved for anticipatory bail.