BJP seeks NIA investigation into Sabyasachi's arrest

BHUBANESWAR: The BJP on Thursday demanded a central probe into the circumstances leading to the arrest of Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda.
Addressing a news conference, state BJP president KV Singhdeo said the arrest was a drama enacted by the state government during the assembly session to divert public attention from crucial issues being highlighted in the house. "We demand a probe by a central agency, preferably the National Investigation Agency (NIA), into the arrest," he said.
Describing the arrest as ?stage-managed', KV said Maoists never let their leaders stay alone. It seems highly improbable that Sabyasachi stayed unaccompanied at a rented accommodation in a city. It was a planned move, he said.
Alleging nexus between some BJD leaders, including ministers, and the Maoists, KV said, "The state police cannot take the case to a logical conclusion in such a situation. They would obviously try to shield their political bosses."
The state BJP will soon write to the Union home ministry, urging it to order a central probe into the arrest, he added.
Justifying the demand, KV said Sabyasachi's alleged involvement in the killing of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, which triggered communal violence in Kandhamal in 2008, and kidnapping of foreign tourists in 2012 make it a fit case for central probe.
The state BJP chief alleged contrary to court orders, family members were not allowed to remain present during Sabyasachi's interrogation. He said the Maoist leader had taken names of several political leaders, builders and contractors, who funded the Maoists to spread terror in several parts of the state.
BJD dismissed KV's allegations. "Police scripted a success story with the arrest of the Maoist leader and deserve kudos. There is no point making allegations for the sake of it. If the state BJP chief has any proof, he should come out with it. All parties should work towards curbing the Maoist menace," said industries minister Debi Prasad Mishra.