Bhubaneswar, Aug 28 (PTI) Ruling BJD's alliance partner BJP today demanded a thorough probe to unravel the motive behind killing of VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati instead of "shielding real culprits" by presuming the involvement of Maoists in the crime.
BJP state president Suresh Pujari, leader of BJP legislature party B B Harichandan and deputy leader Manmohan Samal held a discussion with chief minister Naveen Patnaik on the matter.
"I discussed certain issues with BJP leaders this morning," the chief minister said without divulging the subject of discussion.
Pujari said Patnaik was informed about the reaction of the BJP rank and file after Saraswati's killing.
Stating that there was a feeling of hurt among the BJP cadre due to the killing, Pujari said they demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
"We want to know the motive behind the killing of Swamiji," he said refusing to subscribe to the government's theory of Maoist involvement in the incident.
The BJP leaders told Patnaik that the real culprits were being shielded with the police pursuing investigation on Maoist line, party sources said.
Besides demanding arrest of all the persons involved in the attack on Saraswati, the BJP leaders also sought proper implementation of anti-cow slaughter and anti conversion laws in toto.
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