Bhubaneswar: In a new development in Anand Toppo’s death case, the Orissa High Court on Thursday directed the Crime Branch to probe the matter. The High Court order came as a bolt for the international hockey player and Anand’s friend Birendra Lakra, as the deceased’s family has been accusing Birendra of murdering Anand at a house in the Infocity area of Bhubaneswar.
The High Court issued the directive for a probe into the case after hearing a petition filed by Anand’s father. The court also directed that the probe should be led by an officer in the DIG rank since the accused is a DSP.
The High Court further directed that the findings of the investigation should be submitted to the lower court.
It is worth mentioning here that Anand’s father had moved the Orissa High Court alleging that the police were not doing an impartial investigation in his son’s death case. He and his family alleged that Birendra Lakra and his friend Manjeet Tete were involved in killing him.
Anand Lakra was found hanging inside a house in the Infocity area in Bhubaneswar on February 28, 2022, just 10 days after his marriage.
Earlier, the Twin City Commissionerate Police had given a clean chit to Birendra Lakra in the Anand death case. Police had said that all available evidence and medical reports showed that Anand committed suicide by hanging and there was no foul play.
Police further said that the injuries found on the neck of Anand Toppo could be antemortem and suicidal in nature. The deceased had consumed liquor and barbiturate before his death.
