Bhubaneswar: Cameraman Manas Swain’s kidnap and murder has become the centre of a raging controversy as the prime accused Sarmista Rout remains elusive. At least 20 days have passed since Swain’s disappearance followed by the recovery of his body, the alleged orchestrator of this heinous crime continues to hoodwink the police.
Meanwhile, her brother Paramswar Rout’s alleged involvement in this crime has been denied by Sarmista’s mother. Speaking to mediapersons on Friday, the elderly woman appealed Sarmista to surrender and rescue her brother. “My son is innocent and should be released,” she said.
“Niranjan Sethi (retired OIS officer) had asked Parameswar to help Sarmista financially. He said that she was in trouble and needed money. Only after that my son gave Rs 10,000 to his sister. The intent was not criminal, therefore my son should be released,” Sarmista’s mother said.
She added that if Sarmista is guilty of the crime, she will have to face the law of the land. “Sarmista should not evade the probe, she should surrender. But I hold Niranjan responsible for trapping my son Parameswar. My family is finished,” she said, sobbing.
