Kataka: The Orissa High Court has expressed displeasure over the investigation conducted by Brahmapur police into the alleged murder of Odisha Motor Vehicle Department (OMVD) constable Ashutosh Mrudangia and ordered that the probe be handed over to the Crime Branch.
According to information, the direction by the HC came while hearing a petition filed by the deceased’s sister, who alleged that the main accused, Ashutosh’s wife Sandhya, was yet to be arrested solely because she is a police constable.
According to the petition, Ashutosh had recorded two dying declarations. He reportedly stated that his wife Sandhya and his brother-in-law had conspired and carried out the murder in a planned manner.
The incident took place on June 5. Ashutosh was reportedly rescued in a critical condition from the Town Police Station’s Bijipur Police Colony. He was subsequently admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital. Ashutosh was then undergoing treatment in Bhubaneswar and succumbed to his injuries on June 15.
Taking note of the serious allegations of bias and the tardy pace of the investigation, the High Court directed the state government to hand over the case to the Crime Branch for a fair and independent probe.