Bhubaneswar, Dec. 29: Close aides of slain Biju Yuva Janata Dal state general secretary Abhimanyu Sahu today reposed no faith in the crime branch inquiry into the leader’s murder and demanded a CBI probe into the incident.

Hundreds of supporters of the slain leader today allegedly set the dhaba of Alok Das, an accused in the murder case, on fire. People of Titilagarh observed a 12-hour strike, demanding a CBI inquiry into the case. The protesters also blocked road at several places in the town by burning tyres.

“The crime branch probe is a cover up exercise. Police must arrest the politicians behind the murder. Only a CBI probe will unravel the mystery. We will intensify our agitation if the state government does not order a CBI inquiry,” said Sahu’s close aide Pramod Pradhan.

Hundreds of residents of Balangir town and Titilagarh had taken out a candle rally on December 16, the day after the murder, demanding a CBI probe. Senior Congress leader Narsingh Mishra, who had been hinting at political involvement in the murder, said: “Earlier, the Balangir police superintendent had ruled out the possible business rivalry angle into the murder. Sahu’s wife has also been demanding a CBI probe. So, the state government must concede to their plea,” said Mishra.

The crime branch officials today took all the four arrested persons to Titilagarh for a spot visit to find out the murder trail. The crime branch has taken the four accused persons in remand for six days for further interrogation.