Setback for BJD Leader: Supreme Court orders Odisha govt. to respond in double murder case within 4 weeks
By Prabhat Kumar Singh
Bhubaneswar, Jan. 25: The Mahanga double murder case, which has involved prominent Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pratap Jena, has taken a significant turn with the Supreme Court of India directing the Odisha government to submit a formal response within four weeks. This order, issued earlier this week, follows a petition filed by Ranjit Baral, the son of Kulamani Baral, one of the victims in this high-profile case.
Ranjit Baral approached the Apex Court seeking justice for the brutal killings of his father, Kulamani Baral, and his associate, Dibyasingha Baral. The petition raised concerns about the investigation process by the state’s Crime Branch and called for a transparent judicial review. As the case continues to attract significant public attention, the Supreme Court stressed the urgency of a comprehensive response from the Odisha administration to address the public and familial demands for justice.
The Mahanga double murder case has become a flashpoint for political tensions, especially with Pratap Jena’s involvement. Kulamani Baral, a prominent BJP leader and the block chairman of Mahanga, was killed along with his associate, Dibyasingha Baral, on January 2, 2021. The two men were brutally attacked by unidentified assailants while traveling on a motorbike near Jankoti village in Mahanga block, Cuttack.
The shocking murders sent ripples through the local community and ignited widespread speculation, with many alleging political motivations behind the killings. The Baral family has long maintained that the murders were carried out on the orders of Pratap Jena—a claim that has added significant political weight to the case.
In 2022, the High Court of Orissa cleared Pratap Jena of involvement in the case, ruling in his favor after he challenged a lower court’s decision to take cognizance of the offenses against him. The decision was controversial, with many critics arguing that the investigation had not been thorough. However, the recent intervention by the Supreme Court has reopened the matter, underlining the need for a fair and transparent investigation.
Further complicating the investigation, Prafulla Biswal, the prime accused in the case, was found dead under mysterious circumstances. This has only intensified the intrigue surrounding the case, prompting questions about the possibility of political interference or external pressure influencing the investigation.
