Date:13/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/13/stories/2008081357890300.htm

Other States - Orissa

Biranchi case: special prosecutor demanded

Staff Reporter

Widow still receives ‘ threat calls’

BHUBANESWAR: Wife of Biranchi Das, slain coach of marathon kid Buddhia Singh, on Tuesday demanded that the State government should provide her a special prosecutor to ensure fair trial in the murder case.

Biranchi was shot dead by some “unidentified” assailants near his judo hall on April 13 last and since then the murder had been a mystery for investigating agencies.

However, city police had zeroed in on gangster Raja Acharya naming him as the prime suspect in the murder.

Despite several attempts, police could not arrest Acharya, who finally surrendered before Goa police.

He was subsequently sent to jail.

But the city police had never come under pressure like before.

Four IPS officers including first Commissioner of Police of the twin cities was transferred following the unprecedented hype in the media over the case.

Ms. Panda said statements of at least five eye witnesses were recorded under 164 of CRPC and police should immediately file chargesheet after completing the investigation.

“Since there are chances that few elements could distract these eye witnesses, I have made a representation before Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Law Minister Biswa Bhushan Harichander to provide a special prosecutor so that there would be no problem during the legal battle,” she said.

She revealed that threat calls were still being made to her.

However, Ms. Panda did not reveal who were the callers.