Mahanga double murder case: 7 arrested amidst political chaos

Mahanga, Jan 7: Total seven persons have been arrested so far in connection with the sensational double murder case that has triggered political chaos in the state. Five persons including the prime accused were arrested on Tuesday and we have arrested two persons last night, said police. BJP general secretary and Odisha in-charge Daggubati Purandeswari met the bereaved family of former Mahanga Block chairman Kulamani Baral and his associate Dibya Singha Baral who were hacked to death in Nrutanga area under Mahanga police limits on Saturday and offered her condolences. She came down heavily on the state government for not taking action against Law Minister Pratap Jena, whose name has been mentioned in the FIR and blamed the deteriorated law and order situation in the state for such political crime. The BJP has started a state wide protest which will continue till January 12 demanding ouster of the Law Minister alleging his involvement in the double murder. Similarly, Congress took to the streets on Tuesday demanding ouster of the Minister and his arrest. On the other hand, BJD Spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra on Thursday said that the BJD Government has zero tolerance on violence. In this case also the strictest action is being taken and the victims will surely get justice. The BJD Government is committed to it and the accused in the Mahanga case have been arrested within 48 hours along with the main accused who had hit with the weapon.