Manas Swain Murder Case: Ex-OIS Officer Arrested

Bhubaneswar (Reporters Today Bureau): Another investigating bomb blasted in the State  when Odisha cop arrested former I&PR director and OIS officer Niranjan Sethi as ‘partners-in-crime’ in the cameraman Manas Swain kidnapping and murder case. In the serial of big sharks with their neck deep in murder plots that have been hitting the State every now and then, Niranjan’s arrest by police on charges of co-key conspirator has now opened a new episode.

The ex-OIS officer, who retired only last month, had occupied influential positions in his three decades of service. Niranjan had served in the capacity of public relations officer (PRO) to Chief Minister and Governor. The former OIS officer has his finger in every pie – officialdom to the music world. Sethi has penned lyrics for many romantic Odia modern and devotional songs.

His signature in the power corridor is evident from the fact of how State ministers, MLAs and political leaders graced the occasions of the release of his arts under the banner of ‘Sai Smruti’ Youtube Channel and Publications. Reports have surfaced about how Niranjan in his capacity as the IPR Director has empanelled prime accused in the Manas Swain murder case, Sarmista Rout’s, fortnightly magazine ‘Sampoorna’ for getting State government Advertisements.

As the empanelment order was passed on the last day of Niranjan’s retirement, tongues keep waging in the power corridor. His arrest follows after three persons, including two contract killers, who were allegedly engaged by Swain’s employer, Sarmistha Rout, were nabbed by the Odisha Police. Meanwhile, Sarmistha Rout, who is the owner of web portal, and a prime accused in the case is still on run, police said.