Orissa High Court Transfers Constable Murder Probe to Crime Branch

The Orissa High Court has directed the Crime Branch to take over the investigation into the murder of OMVD constable Ashutosh Mrudangia, citing concerns over bias and inefficiency in the Brahmapur police’s handling of the case.

Ashutosh was attacked on June 5 and later succumbed to his injuries on June 15 while undergoing treatment in Bhubaneswar.

His sister petitioned the Court, alleging that the main accused—Ashutosh’s wife Sandhya, also a police constable—was shielded from arrest due to her position.

The Court noted that Ashutosh had given two dying declarations naming Sandhya and her brother as conspirators.

Observing serious lapses and lack of progress in the investigation, the bench ordered the Crime Branch to ensure a fair and impartial probe.