Bhubaneswar, November 12: A Rayagada court has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against N. Bhaskar Rao, former Rajya Sabha MP and BJD leader, along with five others, in connection with the murder of tribal leader Bhagirathi Mandangi in 2010.
The Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court issued the warrant following a protest petition filed by Jagannath Mandangi, Bhagirathi's younger brother, seeking justice in the longstanding case.
The case dates back to December 2010, when Bhagirathi's half-burnt body was found floating in a dam in Andhra Pradesh. His family suspected foul play, prompting a murder case that has seen limited progress despite an initial Crime Branch investigation ordered by the police.
In 2023, Jagannath filed a new petition with the SDJM Court, reviving the case and resulting in the recent issuance of NBWs.
According to Samuel Tandi, representing the petitioner, the warrant was based on evidence and witness statements, invoking charges of murder, destruction of evidence, and common intent under Sections 302, 201, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code.
Bhaskar Rao, currently serving as the BJD's Rayagada District President, faces serious legal scrutiny as the case moves forward.
