Odisha Crime Branch To Probe ‘Murder’ Of Sanjay Dasburma Aide

Bhubaneswar: DGP Abhay on Wednesday ordered Crime Branch to take over the investigation into the alleged murder of Chitta Ranjan Palei, a close associate of BJD leader and deputy chairman of State Planning Board Sanjay Dasburma.

A native of Sanabenakudi village in Brahmagiri, Chitta’s body was recovered from Nuanai river on Monday and his family had demanded a CB probe a day later, claiming that he was murdered in a planned manner by his friend Jagannath Sarangi.

They alleged that Jagannath had reportedly borrowed around Rs 3 lakh from Chitta and killed Chitta when he demanded his money back.

Notably, the Puri SP had formed a special investigation team (SIT) headed by Puri Additional SP Purna Chandra Pradhan to probe Chitta’s death. Five persons, including Jagannath, were detained and interrogated in this connection.

Jagannath, who also happens to be Das Burma’s close associate, had reportedly invited Palai for a feast on Saturday, after which he went missing. His family members lodged a missing complaint with police when he did not return home. Cops later found Jagannath with critical injuries near Gadamrugasira village within Sadar police limits. Bloodstains and Chitta’s belongings were also found at the spot. His body was found floating in Nuanai on Monday.