Political Row Over CB Supervision of FM College Self-Immolation Case

The Odisha Crime Branch's decision to depute SP Anirudha Routray to supervise the sensational self-immolation case of a girl student from FM College, Balasore on 12 July, has triggered a political storm, with the Opposition BJD alleging interference and foul play following the arrest of two ABVP members.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The move came soon after Inspector General of the Crime Branch, S Shyni—who had been leading the investigation—proceeded on leave for a few days. While police sources claim that her leave had been applied for and sanctioned well in advance, its timing—just a day after the arrest of two Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists—has raised eyebrows.

SP Routray has now been tasked with supervising the investigation and reporting directly to Director General of Crime Branch Binaytosh Mishra.