BERHAMPUR: Another land grabbing case was filed against former Congress MLA Ramesh Jena by Sadar police on Thursday. A realtor, Srikant Panda, was also arrested in the case.
Ramesh along with his father Arakhita Jena, Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) corporator R Murali and realtor Srikant had forcibly occupied 4.1 acres of land at Nimakahndi in 2014. When the owner demanded the cost of the land, he was threatened with life.
Following Ramesh’s arrest, the land owner lodged a complaint with Sadar police, said SP Ashis Singh. The four have been forwarded to court.
Ramesh was taken on remand for two days by the Crime Branch for interrogating him in connection with the murder of BJD leader Srinivas Ratha at Moulabhanja village. Similarly, Sadar police, who registered the new case, prayed before the SDJM to allow them take the former MLA on seven-day remand. The court, though, allowed remand for five days. Singh said the Crime Branch will interrogate Ramesh for two days and from April 9, Sadar police will take him on remand.
Meanwhile, sand mafia Krupasindhu Mudali, who was a close aide of Ramesh, has been arrested by Purushottmapur police.
Several sand traders had alleged before police that Mudali used to extort money from them on the direction of Ramesh. Hinjili police have taken Mudali on two-day remand.
The SP informed that investigation is on to trace people who helped Ramesh in running his crime empire. Banks where Ramesh had accounts have been asked to furnish details of transactions.
Singh added that more evidence has been found that establishes Ramesh’s involvement with illegal firearm traders from Bihar and West Bengal.