Russian Nationals’ Death In Odisha: NHRC Seeks Action Taken Report Within 4 Weeks

Rayagada: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action taken report (ATR) from the superintendent of police (SP), Rayagada, on the death of two Russians, including lawmaker Pavel Antov, within 4 weeks.

According to sources, NHRC has expressed dissatisfaction over ongoing criminal investigation into the death of the two Russian tourists. It has raised questions on how and under what circumstances the duo died as well as actions taken to ascertain the mysterious deaths.

After human rights activist Rabindra Mishra appeared before the commission, NHRC sent a notice to Rayagada SP Vivekanand Sharma.

Meanwhile, the Crime Branch (CB) team comprising four officers and forensic experts visited the cremation ground at Raygada where the last rites of Antov and his fellow-traveller Vladimir Bidenov were performed. They collected burnt remnants on December 31 for forensic examination.

They also carried thoroughly checked Room Nos 319 and 401 of the hotel where they had put up and seized the deceased’s laptop, mobile, passport and other important items.

They also obtained the list of guests who were staying in the hotel from December 1 to 27, with their corresponding addresses and other details for verification. The hotel staff were questioned.

The CB team recorded the statement of Russian couple Turov Mikhail and Pane Senko Natalia, who accompanied Pavel and Vladimir, with the assistance of interpreter and tourist guide Jitendra Singh. The entire process was done with audio-video recording.

Pavel had died after falling from a three-storeyed hotel in Rayagada on December 24 and Vladimir died of suspected heart attack in the same hotel two days later.