IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK CRLMC No.345 of 2025 Santosh Raju …. Petitioner(s)

Represented By Adv.

Mr. Pranab Kumar Samantray -versus-

State of Odisha …. Opposite Party(s)

Represented By AGA Mr. Udit Ranjan Jena CORAM:

DR. JUSTICE SANJEEB K PANIGRAHI

ORDER

Order 15.01.2026 No.

07. 1. This matter is taken up through hybrid arrangement.

2. The Petitioner has filed this CRLMC seeking a direction from this Court to quash the F.I.R. and the criminal proceeding initiated against him which has been registered as Damanjodi P.S. Case No.24/2021 corresponding to G.R. Case No.225/2021 pending in the court of learned S.D.J.M., Koraput.

3. Heard.

4. The flagship argument advanced by the present Petitioner is that the lodging of F.I.R. and the allegation made therein, prima facie does not make out a case under alleged commission of offence. Hence, the entire prosecution is liable to be quashed.

5. Learned counsel for the Petitioner submits that the 161 statement of other witnesses has not found enough in order to establish any prima facie case under Sections 147/148/341/323/294/506/186/307/332/337/353/149/120-B of I.P.C. read with Section 7 of Criminal Law and Section 3 of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. He therefore, submits that since the Petitioner is not a party to the agitation, criminal proceeding initiated against the present Petitioner

6. On perusal of the material on record, it is clear that prima facie case is made out against the present Petitioner. Hence, his name has been written in the F.I.R. The Petitioner earlier moved CRLMC No.434 of 2024 for quashing of the F.I.R. However, this Court disposed of the said CRLMC with a direction to appear before the I.O.

7. Learned for the Petitioner further submits that he is cooperating the investigation, yet the investigation has been prolonged for such a long time.

8. In view of the prolonged investigation, there is a likelihood of miscarriage of justice. Hence, this Court directs the Investigation Agency to complete the investigation within a period of three months from today. Accordingly, the prayer made by the present Petitioner is rejected. However, the direction to complete the investigation within a period of three months shall be comply with strictly.

9. Accordingly, the CRLMC is dismissed.

(Dr. Sanjeeb K Panigrahi)

Judge Sumitra Signature Not Verified Digitally Signed Signed by: SUMITRA NAYAK Reason: Authentication Location: High Court of Orissa, Cuttack Date: 30-Jan-2026 17:09:16