The ubiquitous presence of gangster Tito’s criminal world stretches across the nook and corner of Jagatsinghpur district. Whatever the Crime Branch’ STF has unveiled so far is just the tip of an iceberg if allegations are taken into consideration.
The Crime Branch’s recent action of nabbing, interrogating and releasing Tito gang’s two sharpshooters, Rakesh Patnaik alias Raka and Bapu Parida, has irked the thinking community of the district. Reportedly, there are above 25 cases like attempt to murder, murder, riot and extortion collections are pending against the duo.
Allegedly, Raka used to collect money on monthly basis from companies, businessmen, construction companies and officers and was responsible for management of Tito’s illegal business empire.
Still, a lot other associates are yet to be ousted by the investigating agency. One Golak Nayak alias Goli is moving scot free and leading a larger than life style under the protection of a powerful political leader having share in almost all business of the gangster. Some officers in uniform and powerful political leaders have provided them the protection, thereby helping expansion of the gangster’s empire.
People are of the opinion that some companies are funding them and they should come under the scanner of the Crime Branch.
Even the unending empire of the accused gangsters spreads over sand quarries (Balighat) in the entire district. The sand quarries (Balighat) at Ali Pingal, Naugaon, Erada, Balipada, Raghunathpur, Tarapur, Tirtol and many other places are under the sovereign control of the above noted mafias.
Tito’s criminal network also includes fixing of liquor shop tenders.
It is alleged that Mahindpur village under Biridi block is an ideal rendezvous for Tito’s close confidante Rasbihari alias Chicken Babu. He and other criminals of the gang assemble at Mahindpur till late into the night and decide about their future operations.
Besides, all construction works of PWD, RD and Water Resources Departments are fixed by the agents of the gangster.
While many criminals are still at large, intellectuals of the district wonder how far the investigating authority would be able to pursue the cases against the gangster and his coterie to a logical conclusion.