‘No Indication Of Foul Play’ In Russians’ Death, Interpol Help If Needed: Odisha DGP

Bhubaneswar: Amid mystery shrouding the death of Russian lawmaker and his friend in Rayagada, Odisha’s Director General of Police Sunil Bansal on Sunday said there is no indication of any foul play in the case and Interpol’s help will be taken only if necessary.

Stating that the Crime Branch is investigating the case, the DGP said selected and competent police officers are on the job. “It is a time-consuming investigation,,” he said.

On the likelihood of seeking Interpol’s help in the probe, Bansal said that Odisha Police will seek the assistance of Interpol if needed. “We are conducting the investigation with an open mind. If anything comes or what needs to be done will be decided as things progress,” he said in presser.

Notably, Russian businessman and lawmaker Pavel Antov had died allegedly after falling from the third floor of the hotel on December 24, two days after his friend Vladimir Bydanov succumbed to cardiac arrest in his room in the same hotel in Rayagada.

The duo along with a Russian couple and their travel guide from Delhi, Jitendra Singh first visited Daringbadi in Kandhamal district before proceeding to Rayagada town where they checked into Hotel Sai International on December 21. The next day, Bydanov was found dead.

After attending Bydanov’s cremation on December 24, Antov returned to his hotel room. In the evening, he died after a fall. Though how he fell off the terrace has not yet been ascertained, Antov was believed to be distraught over his friend’s death.

While one team of the Crime Branch visited Rayagada and questioned some people there besides collecting certain materials, another group had quizzed the co-travellers of the deceased Russians and their tour guide in connection with the death of the duo.

Also Read: Russians’ Death In Odisha: Crime Branch Collects Remains Of Deceased From Cremation Ground