The Balliguda police in Kandhamal district have arrested as many as five persons, including two contract killers, in connection with the murder of RTI (Right to Information) activist Abhimanyu Panda on December 10.
The arrested were identified as businessman K Biswajit Patra, S Balaji Achari, Ras Bihari Das and the two contract killers. Three bullets, a gun and six mobile phones were also seized from their possession, said Kandhamal SP Prateek Singh at a Press conference her, adding that another accused is still at large.
The SP said that there was a dispute between Biswajit Patra and Abhimanyu Panda over demolition of the former’s shop at a temple at Balliguda. In order to eliminate Abhimanyu, Biswajit hatched a plan with Balaji and Ras Bihari. The trio had given Rs 1 lakh to the two contract killers of Ganjam district for murdering Abhimanyu.
The RTI activist was shot dead near his house at Patrasahi under the Balliguda police limits.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought an action-taken report (ATR) within four weeks from the DGP over Panda’s murder. The NHRC sought the report taking cognisance of a petition filed by Supreme Court lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy.
In his petition, Tripathy has alleged that police have failed in preventing attacks on RTI activists, journalists and human rights defenders which is serious violation of human rights. Failure of the State in implementing the provisions of Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2013 in the State also amounts to rights violation. He requested the commission to ensure fair investigation by an independent team of experts to ensure safety and security of all RTI and human right activists and journalists.
Tripathy sought immediate legal action against the wrongdoers and pay adequate compensation and security to the family members of the deceased RTI activist.