Coach's murderer taken to Bhubaneswar

Bhopal, Apr 23 (UNI) Contract killer Chhagla, who stands accused in the murder of 'wonder boy' Budhia's coach Biranchi Das, was today taken to Bhubaneswar from here by a Orissa Police team, police said.

The team was led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Suresh Mahapatra. Chhagla was detained by Bhopal Police soon after his live interview aired on a private television channel here yesterday.

The accused told the channel that he was given 'supari' (murder contract) of Rs 10 lakh and an advance of Rs 2 lakh had been received for commiting the murder. Since he was absconding, he could not collect the remainder, he added.

''Jealousy over name and fame, besides wealth seemed to be the motive,'' Chhagla said.

The accused said that he was contracted for the murder by a 'gang' of officers in the Sports Directorate of Orissa.

''The sports officers wanted to eliminate Das as the latter did not succumb to their pressure to share a part of huge funds received from abroad for promoting Budhia,'' he told the channel.

Budhia was receiving huge funds from foreign countries after his marathon feat and Das was keeping the entire amount with him, the officers felt.

Evidence was found linking Chhagla with Orissa's underworld don Raja. The accused alleged that he was assaulted at a Kolkata brothel and Rs 1.5 lakh snatched from him. He said his accomplice opened fire on the coach.

Meanwhile, ETV's Bhopal Bureau Chief Ajay Tripathi said Chhagla walked into the studio and was detained while the interview was being aired.

UNI Team-AC AKJ HT2150