A BJD Zilla Parishad member of Khojapalli, Mihir Parida, was arrested by police near the Orissa High Court in Cuttack on Sunday. He is allegedly the mastermind behind the murder of a wanted criminal, Kalyan Pradhan of Khojapalli, that had occurred six months back.
Kalyan, a wanted criminal of Khojapalli under Khallikote police limits, was stoned to death near his village. The incident was attributed to a cashewnut orchard taken on lease by Kalyan. Based on the complaint by Chabirani, wife of the deceased, Khallikote Police had registered a murder case against 18 persons. In her FIR, Chabirani had alleged that the mob was led by Parida.
However, while the 17 are still absconding, Parida frequently made appearances at public meetings.
On September 23, he even attended the BJD district executive body meeting. Following this, police came in for sharp criticism with members of the Opposition accusing them of shielding Parida.
On Sunday, while Mihir was present in the Orissa High Court for an anticipatory bail, Khallikote Police nabbed him. He was forwarded to court on Monday which remanded him in judicial custody.