The Crime Branch on Friday reconstructed the crime scene with main accused Sarmistha Rout in the cameraman Manas Swain kidnapping and murder case to collect more vital evidence in the case.
“On the fourth day of her remand, the main accused was taken to Chandbali in Bhadrak, Dayal Ashram in Bhubaneswar and Nayagarh where the body of Manas was disposed of,” said Crime Branch ADG Sanjeeb Panda.
First, Sarmistha was taken to Palaspur in Chandbali where Manas had gone to shoot video at a wedding. During the crime scene recreation, Sarmistha demonstrated how they conspired to abduct Manas near a Dola Mandap at Badhimuha Sahi.
Later, Sarmistha was taken to Dayal Ashram where Manas was held hostage after abduction and subsequently murdered. Sarmistha showed demos how Manas was murdered and where the weapons used in the crime were dumped.
Then, Sarmistha was taken to Ranapur in Nayagarh district where the body of the deceased was disposed off.
Besides, the other accused who have also been taken on remand are being interrogated at the Crime Branch headquarters to gather further information about the crime.
Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has unearthed fresh information from the accused during interrogation. The agency now suspects that the memory chip in possession of Manas was not the only reason behind his murder; and there could be other reasons too.
Police said the assailants had severely thrashed Manas to death. However, it is being probed if Manas was blackmailing Sarmistha.
The Crime Branch may again appeal to the court for fresh remand of the accused if needed.