Bhagirathi Mandangi case: Pradhan urges CBI inquiry

Union Minister for Oil and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan and former BJP MP and Zila Adivas Mahasangh president Jayaram Pangi on Saturday requested Home Minister Rajnath Singh for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the murder of tribal leader Bhagirathi Mandangi.

Mandangi, a member of the Managing Committee of Maa Majhighariani Temple Trust, Rayagada, was murdered in 2010, after which his charred body was found floating in a dam in Andhra Pradesh.

Pradhan, who wrote a letter to the Home Minister on the request of Pangi, stated that the tribal groups suspect Mandangi of being murdered for raising concern over irregularities and misappropriation of funds by the temple trust.

The Union Minister further noted that though the case was investigated by the state crime branch and CID, no evidence was uncovered. He also alleged that under the influence of the ruling Odisha government, cases are 'suppressed knowingly.'

Pangi also wrote a letter on behalf of the Mahasangh to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting for CBI inquiry. He also accused Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader and Rajya Sabha member N Bhaskar Rao of being involved in the murder of Mandangi.