Man charred to death: Kin cry murder, question police probe

Post News Network

Nayagarh, Nov 30: Even as 10 days have passed since a warehouse manager was allegedly burnt alive inside a godown at Bebartapalli here, police are yet to arrest the accused.

The victim was identified as Santosh Barad (37), son of Chhatia Barad of Barapalli village. He worked as a manager with a partnership firm led by traders Anil Kumar Patra and Bijay Mohapatra for over 15 years.  He died screaming for life inside the locked godown as it went up in flames November 21.

The go-slow approach of the Town police has irked the victim’s kin, who allege police want to scuttle the probe. This revelation by the family members came during the 10^th day ritual of the victim.

They alleged that police refused to accept their complaint of murder and have registered it as a case of unnatural death. However, the latest charges made by the family members have forced police to have a relook at the case.

According to them, Santosh was killed as part of a larger conspiracy hatched by his partners Patra and Mohapatra. His family members said the two had become bankrupt and had an outstanding of Rs 3 crore borrowed from banks and various money lending agencies.

They planned to avail insurance claims by setting fire to their godown.  Moreover, Santosh being the manager, was dealing with all their clients and used to collect arrears from them. They decided to get rid of Santosh after he somehow got to know about their evil designs.

The duo, before giving a final shape to their design, called up Santosh and managed to collect the list of persons on whom they have oustatnding.

On the fateful day, Santosh returned home in evening but had to leave again without taking dinner after he got a call from his owner at 9.15 pm.  At 10.50 pm, the owner again made a call to their house and informed them that Santosh has become trapped inside the godown and disconnected the call.

They rushed to the spot where they found the godown in flames and the fire officials trying hard to extinguish the fire. When they searched for Santosh they found his charred body outside the godown.

His father Chhatia warned to commit suicide within three months if his son’s killers are not arrested and put behind bars.

When contacted, IIC Narayan Chandra Barik said he knows little about the case as he is new to the place but assured a speedy probe after the post-mortem report is available.

SP Manoranjan Mohanty said all aspects of the case are being probed by the police and the allegation of setting fire to the godown for making false insurance claims is also being looked into.