Congress leader and trade unionist Bapi Sarkhel, who was cooling his heels at the Choudwar jail for the last five months in connection with the murder of Seaways Shipping and logistics general manager Mahendra Swain in Paradip, was released from the jail on Wednesday after fulfilling the necessary formalities.
later, speaking to the media, Sarkhel alleged that BJD vice-president, Minister and Paradip MlA Damodar Rout had conspired to get him arrested.
“My political opponent Damodar Rout had hatched a conspiracy against me one month before the arrest. He had written to the Jagatsinghpur SP in this regard to get me behind bars before the panchayat elections. He succeeded in his conspiracy.”
“Anyway, I walked out of the jail with the blessings of lord Jagannath. I have faith in the judiciary. The truth would be revealed,” he added.
Sarkhel was granted conditional bail by the Orissa High Court on Monday against two bailers and surety of Rs 1 lakh each.
One of the co-accused in the sensational murder case that took place in October 26, 2016, Sarkhel had surrendered before the Jagatsinghpur SP in November 2016 after a lookout notice was issued against him.