Bhubaneswar: The Commissionerate Police are probing allegations of a contract killing plot targeting School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond and Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain after an alleged audio clip and a series of claims made by the owner of a private web channel surfaced online, Commissioner of Police (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack) Dr. Suresh Dev Datta Singh said on Monday. However, he maintained that the investigation is at a preliminary stage and declined to disclose further details.
Addressing a press conference, the Police Commissioner said the main accused in the assault case linked to the controversy is yet to be arrested, while two others have already been taken into custody.
“The main accused has not been arrested yet. Since the investigation is underway, we cannot share more details at this stage. However, the manner in which the victim was physically assaulted and the allegations relating to a contract killing are being examined seriously. Strict legal action will be taken against everyone found involved,” Dr. Datta said.
The Commissioner said police are also investigating allegations of organised character assassination, digital smear campaigns, and attempts to extort money by targeting individuals and organisations through online platforms.
“We are studying the modus operandi of those allegedly involved in spreading misleading content, repeatedly targeting individuals and organisations, and attempting to tarnish their reputation for financial or other gains. Such acts may attract provisions relating to extortion, criminal intimidation, and other offences. Those found guilty will face strict legal action,” he said.
The controversy intensified after the owner of a private web channel alleged that he had been approached with an offer to execute a contract killing of Ministers Nityananda Gond and Sampad Chandra Swain. The claim gained traction after an alleged audio recording of a phone conversation went viral on social media.
The web channel owner also alleged that Minister Nityananda Gond had offered him Rs 5 lakh to prepare videos aimed at suppressing reports highlighting errors in government school textbooks for Classes I to VIII. The textbook controversy recently drew public attention after several errors were reported in state-published books.
Police did not confirm the authenticity of the viral audio recording or the allegations involving the ministers, saying all claims are being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.
Dr. Datta reiterated that the investigation would cover every aspect of the case, including the purported contract killing plot and the allegations of extortion and criminal intimidation.
“We will take action strictly in accordance with the law. Once the investigation progresses, further details will be shared,” he said.
