In a significant judicial move, the Malkangiri Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court in Odisha has issued a non-bailable warrant against former District Collector Manish Agarwal for failing to appear in court. This order stems from the unresolved case of the mysterious death of Deba Narayan Panda, Agarwal’s personal assistant during his tenure in 2019.
Panda’s death under unclear circumstances prompted legal scrutiny when his body was discovered near Satiguda Dam a day after he was reported missing. The late personal assistant’s wife, Banja Panda, alleged that her husband was murdered, leading to a prolonged investigation and trial.
The court, expressing the need for Agarwal’s physical presence, highlighted the importance of the case and the necessity for the accused to personally introduce their legal representation and verify their identity. The judge’s remarks emphasized that dispensation from personal attendance is not an inherent right but a privilege that needs court approval.
