The Orissa High Court last week had refused to grantanticipatory bail to absconding web channel owner Sarmistha Rout, whois arrayed as the prime accused in the kidnap and murder of the channel’s cameraman Manas Swain.
Justice SK Sahoo on March 16 had disposed of Sarmistha’s bail application when the court was informed by the Chandbali police that the initial kidnap case has since been turned into a murder case and Sarmistha is the principal accused.
Meanwhile, police also informed the court that at least three persons, including a retired OIS officer, have so far been arrested and forwarded to court in connection with the case and the police are to apprehend Sarmistha and others involved in the case.
As it is a murder case, while not inclining to give anticipatory bail, the High Court observed that in the event Sarmistha surrenders within four weeks and moves for bail, the lower court shall dispose of the bail application as expeditiously as possible in accordance with law.
Manas Swain (28) went missing from Bhadrak on February7 and his body was retrieved from Nayagarh district on March 12. Onthe same day, three persons were arrested from Nayagarh, who hadconfessed before the police that they had murdered Manas at the behestof Sarmistha.
Sarmistha on March 13 approached the High Court foradvance bail, which was registered on March 14 and heard on March 15.