Arrest BJD MLA- Congress

Bhubaneswar, Apr 12 (UNI) A day after the mysterious death of a man inside ruling BJD's legal expert Arun Sahu's official premises here, main opposition Congress today demanded arrest of the legislator.

Dismissing the Crime branch probe already ordered by Biju Janata Dal- Bharatiya Janata Party government as a'' mere farce to shield the influential legislator'', the Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded a ''judicial probe'' to the mysterious murder case.

''The state controlled crime branch is unlikely to be impartial given the fact that chief minister Naveen Patnaik himself has home portfolio. It lacks the nerve to antagonise it's master's interest anyways'', alleged PCC spokesman Arya kumar Gyanendra. '' Thats the reason we are in favour of a Jucial inquiry'', he pointed out.

Describing the death of Chhabi Bardhan (35), whose body was recoverd by the police from the official residence of Mr Sahu yeasterday, as ''clear case of murder'', Mr Gyanendra rejected the BJD lawmaker's plea that it was a case of ''suicide''.

''The prima facie evidence like gouging of an eye and blood on the entire body of the victim is substantial enough to suggest murder'' stated Mr Gyanendra demanding immediate arrest of the MLA.

" This reflects the kind of law and order we have in our state under BJD-BJP rule with the capital city leading high on the crime chart, the Congress leader alleged.

Mr Sahu represents the Nayagarh assembly segment and is a first time lawmaker.

BJD sources said deceased Bardhan has been staying in Sahu's official quarters here for some time to duck police action in an earlier case. However, Sahu denied knowing Bardhan personally stating that it was not possible on his part to know each one who some time stay back in his residence by virtue of hailing from his constituency. Bardhan beloned to Ratanpur village in Nayagarh district.

Bardhan's wife, Kumari Bardhan had told the media yeasterday alleging her husband was murdered.

Meanwhile, the crime branch police DSP Udayanath Sahoo and inspector Krutibas Jena started investigations to the case.

''We have not received any formal complaint from the wife of the deceased so far'', Mr Jena said.

UNI XC PC/src1950