By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Police on Friday put its weight behind 1996 batch IPS officer Arun Bothra, who is heading the SIT, that probing into Nayagarh’s Paree murder case. The Police headquarters issued a press statement following negative media reports on IPS officer Bothra. A college student, identified as Saroj Sethy of Jadupur village, had levelled serious allegation against IPS officer Bothra.
“Odisha Police has noted with concern the false and baseless allegations against SIT investigating the Paree Murder Case.The team has been diligently working out clues. Large number of people have been examined in the process and significant progress has been made. The entire village has extended cooperation in the investigation. However such unfounded allegation by one person have been used to cast aspersions on the investigation agency. It may end up demotivating officers who are sincerely working to unearth the truth. It is both unfortunate and unethical,” Odisha Police said.
“ It may be noted that the case is monitored by the Hon’ble High Court and SIT keeps reporting progress and findings with Hon’ble High Court.We request everyone and particularly media to allow the SIT to complete its work. Odisha Police is committed to fair and diligent investigation. We assure that no stone will be left unturned to ensure justice for Paree,” it added.
“The SIT members collected my blood and swab samples as well as my clothes from our house. Arun Bothra offered me Rs 5 lakh to take the blame for the murder. Even though I am above 18 years of age, the SIT chief assured me of reducing the age on document to claim that I am a juvenile so that quantum of punishment can be relaxed,” Sethy had said.
