Even as the Special Task Force of the Crime Branch is probing the criminal network and business dealings of gangster Tito, a blame game has begun between the local politicians.

Congress leader Bapi Sarkhel at a press conference here on Monday accused senior BJD leader and former Minister Damodar Rout of shielding persons with criminal antecedents as the “ring master” of the crime syndicate operating in the port town.

Sarkhel further questioned how Rout was so sure to make a statement that the arrested Bapu Parida has no link with Tito. He wondered whether Rout is acting a mediator between Tito and Bapu. Besides, he also demanded reopening of the Muna Pati murder case of Paradip.

Rout and his son Sambit Routray should be brought under the purview of investigations, he said. Rout is shielding persons with criminal backgrounds and a few police officials are helping him. Two days back, Rout said there is no link between Bapu and Tito. When the Crime Branch arrested Bapu for his involvement in several cases, how could Rout give him a clean chitIJ Why is he (Rout) worried so much for BapuIJ” asked Sarkhel.

Jagatsinghpur BJD president Bishnu Das said if at all there is any link between Damodar Rout and Bapu, it should be established first as the STF is currently probing the matter. “I will carry out my responsibility as the district president,” he said.

Moreover, taking a potshot at Rout, Das said, “People of the State know what kind of a personality Dama Rout is. I am always afraid of Damababu as many people support him. He is capable of cubing the progress of my political career.”