BJP MLA demands CBI probe into SI murder case

RANCHI: BJP on Monday demanded CBI probe into the death of sub-inspector Sandhya Topno who was mowed down by a van carrying cattle illegally on July 20. The officer was on vehicle checking duty in Tupudana when the incident occurred.
BJP’s Dhanwar MLA and leader of legislative party Babulal Marandi accused the Hemant Soren government of patronising illegal cattle trade for vote-bank politics and demanded a thorough probe by central agency for investigation and action.
He said, “Last year, one female SI Rupa Tirkey was killed in Sahibganj, which is home to the CM’s constituency. Then too, we suspected that the state government was trying to cover up and demanded a CBI probe. Ultimately, the high court directed for a CBI probe. Again, a female SI was killed. The reason we are demanding for a CBI probe is because it isn’t a simple case of hit and run.”
He added that only a proper probe will unearth the deeper nexus of cattle trade operatives in the state. “It has increased manifold under the current government,” he alleged.
He also questioned the role of police behind sending Topno with only two other persons for vehicle checking drive. “As per police, the said van had dodged police in two other districts. How come a local thana sent a female policeman with only two others without proper resources to catch them? Moreover, kin of the slain cop also accused the officer in-charge of Tupudana, Kanhaiya Singh ,of often harassing her.”
The police have nabbed four persons in connection with the case.
Tupudana OC Singh was also replaced with one Meera Singh. However, Marandi said the latter has a chequered history and was roped in to dilute the case.
“First and foremost, Tupudana OC Singh must be suspended/terminated but he was only attached to police lines. This is no punishment. Secondly, he is replaced by an officer named Meera Singh, who is already accused of taking bribe by tribals during her posting in Khunti and was also held by anti-corruption bureau (ACB) in the past. We don’t think that she will do her job honestly,” he said.