The anticipatory bail plea of senior BJD leader and Banki MLA Pravat Tripathy, was rejected by the Orissa High Court, but the timing has serious questions over the development. The court deferred the bail plea hearing at least thrice and provided interim relief to Pravat Tripathy. The rejection came only after the Kandhamal polls were over.

The CBI, which had questioned Pravat Tripathy in connection with his links with the Artha Tatwa Group chit fund link, has already submitted the voice test report to the High Court. The voice recording had conversation between Mr. Tripathy and AT Group chief and main accused Pradip Sethy.

Pravat Tripathy’s house was raided by the CBI in August and he was questioned at the CBI office after a few days. He had moved the Orissa High Court on September 15, seeking anticipatory bail, apprehending arrest. Responding to the development, Pravat Tripathy said he respects the judgement of the court and will take further action after getting a copy of the verdict.