Murder case reopens to haunt politicians

The visit of petition committee headed by former minister and legislature Bishnu Das to Jharsuguda on Wednesday has created storm in the district political circle as committee members tried to dig upon sensational Knata Das murder case took place in Jharsuguda court premises 7 years ago. Kanta Das was than under police custody after he was accused in the murder of congress leader Samu Kedia. Police were than criticized for ‘plotting’ false encounter to eliminate the evidence of both murder cases. It was also alleged that the present legislature Naba Das, than police superintendent Diptesh Patnaik and few others were behind the scene for which police did not take proper interest to investigate both cases. The family members of deceased have requested the committee members to re-open the investigation as it would help to ‘unveil’ mask of few eminent persons of the district.

“Every one knows that who were behind the scene and who plotted to kill Kanta Das. Why police killed the assailants of Knata Das in a false encounters when they were trying to surrender before the police. Why it took such a long period to complete the investigation. To answer all these questions the case should be properly investigated once again. So we requested the committee members to reopen the case for greater interest”, Sridhar Das, father of the deceased Kanta Das and petitioner told.

Sources said, Kanta Das was arrested and sent to jail in the sensational murder of congress leader and than district president Samu Kedia that occurred on 3^rd May 2003. On 25^th September 2003 two assailants hurled bomb on him killing on the spot when he was under the police custody and taken to Jharsuguda ADJ court for appearance. Armed police chased both the accused persons and caught them while they had climbed over a tree near by Orampara. But police superintendent rushed to the spot allegedly directed the police force to ‘encounter’ both accused.

Sources said, since Samu Kedia was arch rival of congress leader Naba Das, people suspected his role behind his murder. But police did not investigate the matter properly and closed the file after the killing of Kanta Das.

“It is a false allegation I am no way connected to the case. But looking to my political career few opponents want to tarnish my political credibility by throwing mud. People know the fact”, Das told. On the other hand the chairman of the petition committee Bishnu Das has assured the deceased family members to take step to recommend the government for re-investigation of the case.