BJP State general secretary Bhrugu Baxipatra failed to appear before the Ganjam police on Saturday in connection with the murder of Chhatrapur NAC BJD Councillor Laxmidutta Pradhan.
Sources said Baxipatra sought one month’s time to depose before the Chhatrapur police citing health grounds. His lawyer on the day filed a plea at the Chhatrapur police station urging the Investigating Officer for extension of time for Baxipatra’s appearance.
Prior to this on February 7, BJP spokesperson Golak Mohapatra, another accused in the murder case, had also failed to turn up before the Chhatrapur police citing the same health ground.
On January 29, Mohapatra and Baxipatra had been summoned to appear before the police on February 7 and 9, respectively, for questioning.
On the other hand, the two BJP leaders have moved the Orissa High Court seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the case.