BJD Demands CBI Probe into Jaleswar Minor Girl’s Alleged Gang Rape and Murder .
Bhubaneswar,30/10(PPT): The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged gang rape and murder of a 14-year-old schoolgirl in Jaleswar, Balasore district, alleging political interference in the police investigation and seeking accountability for lapses in handling the case. Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhawan, BJD senior general secretary and national spokesperson Lekhasri Samantsinghar and MLA Ashwini Patra called for an impartial investigation, immediate arrest of all those involved and justice for the victim’s family. Lekhasri alleged that the incident took place on October 15 in the Barnana Gram Panchayat area and questioned why the prime accused, Chandrakanta Jena alias Kanhu, was released after being detained while the girl was still missing. She alleged that a local BJP leader had exerted pressure on the police to secure his release and demanded an inquiry into the allegation. The girl’s body was reportedly recovered on October 21 following information provided by the accused. Claiming that injury marks were found on the body and acid may have been used to destroy evidence, she called for a comprehensive forensic examination. She said the suspension of Namo Police Outpost officer-in-charge Karan Marandi and the transfer of Jaleswar police station inspector-in-charge Ashok Barik were not enough, and demanded appropriate legal action against everyone responsible. Ashwini Patra alleged that the girl had been lured with the promise of being given chowmein before the crime and sought an investigation into the possible involvement of other persons, including women. He also called for a detailed examination of forensic evidence, CCTV footage, call detail records and other relevant material to reconstruct the sequence of events. The BJD further demanded financial assistance and legal support for the bereaved family, asserting that political influence should not be allowed to obstruct the investigation or deny justice to the victim.