Political rivalry behind BYJD leader’s murder: CB

Four days after the brutal murder of Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) leader Chitta Ranjan Mohanty of Salepur, Crime Branch (CB) investigation has revealed that strong political differences coupled with personal enmity seem to have driven accused Dushmant Das to attack Chitta with bombs.

 Dushmant originally belonged to the Congress before switching allegiance to the BJD. The CB, which had arrested Dushmant on Sunday, nabbed his main accomplice Sanjay Das on Monday. While Dushmant was produced in a local court on Monday, Sanjay is being interrogated.

 On July 18, Chitta was killed near his Rodhapur home, about 2 km from Salepur, when miscreants called him out of his house and hurled bombs at him. He succumbed on his way to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.

 Additional Director-General of Crime Branch Bijay Kumar Sharma said Dushmant had long been nursing a grudge against Chitta. The accused always felt victimised by Chitta who happens to be influential in the area. Dushmant had four different cases registered against him and been arrested a number of times.

 During interrogation, Dushmant revealed that he was picked up by local police once when he burst firecrackers creating high-pitched sound to celebrate the resignation of BJD minister Kalindi Behera. It was Chitta who was behind that, he told the  investigators. That was not all. The accused had even lodged a case with Salepur Police over alleged kidnapping of his sister, but police took no action which he said was done at the behest of Chitta.

 Earlier this year, Dushmant wanted the job of a driver of a new ambulance, procured under the MPLAD Fund, of the local CHC. He met Chitta to seek his help. The BYJD leader offered support but asked him to switch from the Congress to the BJD which Dushmant did. He also campaigned during the panchayat polls. However, after the elections, the deceased allegedly reneged on his promise which angered the accused.

 Victimised Dushmant decided to settle a score. On July 18, accompanied by Sanjay, he trailed Chitta who was on his way back home. When Chitta entered his home, the duo called him out. Dushmant allegedly hurled two bombs at him and Sanjay followed suit. Sharma said Sanjay too seemed to have nursed grudges against Chitta. Role of more players has not been ruled out. Investigation is on.