CBI calls BJD leader in teacher murder case

BJD leader Jayram Pangi, who has been accused of harbouring the prime accused in the 2013 sensational murder of a lady school teacher, was asked by the CBI to explain his stand in the case, the party said today.
Quick to avoid embarrassment, the ruling party said the central investigating agency just held discussions with Pangi, a former MP, and denied him being "interrogated" by the CBI over the murder case.
"Yes, Pangi was called over phone by the CBI. There was no notice served to Pangi so far. The CBI has not interrogated him (Pangi) but held discussion with him as Pangi had written a letter to CBI earlier in connection with the matter," BJD spokesperson Pratap Keshari Deb told reporters, a day after Pangi denied facing any interrogation by CBI.

CBI is probing the sensational death case in which the lady teacher was burnt to death.
Deb said BJD wants transparent investigation into the case. "BJD wants the real culprit, whosoever he or she may be should be punished," he said.
Though a section of the media said Pangi was quizzed by CBI DSP M K Pathak at the agency's camp office at Rayagada circuit house yesterday, the former MP denied the report.

"I was going to Berhampur and was waiting for my family members, who were in another vehicle, at the circuit house. It is just a coincidence that CBI officials camped in the same building," Pangi had told media yesterday.

N Bhaskar Rao, BJD vice-president and deputy chairman of the state planning board, who was also reportedly interrogated by the same official for one and a half hours in connection with the case on Saturday, also denied being questioned.
"I have never been called by CBI for questioning or for discussion. There is no need for interrogating me. As I stay in the circuit house, I sometimes meet the officials," he added.
Rayagada district and sessions court had in April awarded former school inspector Netrananda Dandsena to life imprisonment for his involvement in the sexual harassment and murder of the lady teacher who was posted at Tikiri High School.