Advocate Devi Prasad Patnaik, who is the complainant of an FIR registered against some policemen of the city, is likely to be examined by Crime Branch IGP Arun Bothra on Thursday.
This was indicated in an order passed by the Orissa High Court here on Wednesday with reference to a writ petition filed by an advocates’ body seeking judicial enquiry into the August 28 police assault on Patnaik.
“In view of the changed circumstances, if the complainant (Patnaik) appears before the Investigating officer (Bothra) on 11. 10.2018 at 11.30 AM along with a medical fitness certificate, the investigating officer shall examine him,” said an order passed by a Division Bench of the High Court headed by Chief Justice KS Jhaveri on Wednesday and posted the matter to be heard again on Friday.
Notably, advocate Patnaik, who is also named as an accused in three other FIRs, including one filed by a policeman arising out of the same incident, was summoned to appear before Bothra on Saturday last for questioning. But citing ill-health, Patnaik had sought four weeks time. In his report to the High Court, Bothra had also reflected about the adjournment application of Patnaik.
On the other hand, the striking High Court lawyers, who have been boycotting courts since August 29, on the day also decided to continue their strike till Friday. HC Bar Association secretary Satyabrata Mohanty further informed that the general body of the association would decide its next course of action on Friday, the day before the HC is closing for Puja vacation.