Pari Murder Case: Ex-Odisha DGP Points Out ‘Legal Blunder’ In SIT Probe

Bhubaneswar: The investigation by the Crime Branch’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Pari murder case in Nayagarh will not be accepted by the court, BJP leader and former Odisha DGP, Prakash Mishra pointed out on Monday.

Mishra told reporters that as per the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), only the police station concerned or police can investigate a case.

“IPS officer Arun Bothra is appointed by the state government as the SIT chief to probe into the case. But he has no police powers since he is at present posted as the Managing Director of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). Therefore, the court will not accept the SIT probe. Taking this into consideration, let the state government hand over the case to the CBI,” Mishra added.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered the SIT probe following a demand from the Congress. The BJP, however, has been seeking a CBI inquiry into the murder of the minor girl.

The case has led to a public outcry with the Opposition demanding Minister Arun Sahoo’s scalp for allegedly shielding the prime accused, Babuli Nayak.