Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police on Friday refuted the ‘bribe’ allegation against the chief of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Crime Branch investigating Pari murder case in Nayagarh district, terming it ‘false and baseless’.
A press release of Odisha Police said, “Unfounded allegation by one person has been used to cast aspersions on the investigation agency. It may end up demotivating officers who are sincerely working to unearth the truth. It is both unfortunate and unethical.”
It further stated stated that the SIT team has been diligently working out clues. Large number of people have been examined in the process and significant progress has been made. The entire village has extended cooperation in the investigation, it added.
The case is monitored by the Orissa High Court and the SIT reports the progress and findings to the court.
“We request everyone, particularly media to allow the SIT to complete its work. Odisha Police is committed to fair and diligent investigation. We assure that no stone will be left unturned to ensure justice for Pari,” said the release.
On Thursday, Saroj Sethi, a neighbour of the deceased minor girl, alleged that the SIT chief Arun Bothra had offered him Rs 5 lakh to confess to the crime. The Crime Branch was suspecting his involvement in the case as the minor girl had visited his house a day before she went missing, he told the media.
Also Read: Pari Murder Case: ‘Bribe For Confession’ Charge Against SIT Probe Chief