Orissa orders judicial inquiry into advocate killing case

Orissa government today ordered a judicial probe into death of a young advocate in police firing at Bagalpur in Cuttack district besides announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to his family.

"The chief minister has already ordered a judicial probe into the death of the advocate during a clash between public and police at Bagalpur in Cuttack district," home secretary AP Padhi told reporters.

Stating that the term of reference of the judicial commission would soon be notified, the home secretary claimed that situation at Bagalpur area was "completely" under control after Inspector General (IG) of police, Central Range visited the place.

As many as 12 platoons (about 360 personnel) of force had been deployed at the spot in order to prevent further escalation of tension. 

Bishnu Das, a practising lawyer at Cuttack criminal court bar had died during the clash which took place yesterday, Padhi said adding that the agitating people had meanwhile withdrawn the road blockade. 

The situation yesterday turned violent when agitating villagers were demanding a thorough probe into the death of Pradeep Samantaray of Indra village, whose body was found on August 20 in the area. They alleged that the youth had been murdered contrary to police version that the death was due to a road accident.

At least 16 policemen, including Cuttack (Rural) SP Rajatkanti Mishra, were injured in the stone-throwing, police said.