Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has demanded a CBI investigation into the alleged gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Odisha’s Jaleswar area, alleging that political interference had influenced the police investigation and led to the release of the prime accused before the girl’s body was recovered.
Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, BJD senior general secretary and national spokesperson Lekhasri Samantsinghar and MLA Ashwini Patra demanded an impartial investigation, immediate arrest of all those involved and justice for the victim’s family.
Lekhasri alleged that the horrific incident took place on October 15 in the Barnana Gram Panchayat area. She questioned the circumstances under which the police detained the prime accused, Chandrakanta Jena alias Kanhu, while the minor was still missing and subsequently released him.
Alleging that a local BJP leader had exerted pressure on the police to secure the accused’s release, she demanded an impartial inquiry into the allegation and immediate action against everyone involved.
The victim’s body was reportedly recovered on October 21 following information provided by the accused. Lekhasri claimed that deep injury marks were found on the body and acid had allegedly been used to destroy evidence. She called for a detailed forensic examination to establish the cause of death and identify those involved in the alleged destruction of evidence.
She further said that merely suspending Namo Police Outpost officer-in-charge Karan Marandi and transferring Jaleswar police station inspector-in-charge Ashok Barik would not be sufficient in such a serious case. The government must ensure legal action against all accused and provide justice to the bereaved family, she added.
Ashwini Patra said the minor was allegedly lured with the promise of being treated to chowmein before being gang-raped and murdered. The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the Jaleswar area, he said.
Referring to the complaint lodged by the victim’s family, Patra demanded an investigation into the possible involvement of other persons, including women, in the crime. He called for all those involved to be identified and punished in accordance with the law.
He also sought a thorough examination of forensic evidence, CCTV footage, call detail records and other relevant information to establish the sequence of events and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The BJD leaders further demanded financial assistance and legal support for the victim’s family, stressing that political influence must not be allowed to interfere with the investigation.
The party reiterated its demand for a CBI probe to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime and ensure accountability.
