Bhubaneswar: The issue of the arrest of gangster Sayed Usman Ali alias Tito by the crime branch's special task force (STF) turned murkier with the senior BJD leader Damodar Rout and Congress leader Bapi Sarkhel trading charges.

Both blamed each other saying the crime rate in Paradip has increased because of criminals getting patronage from them. However, Rout went a step ahead and said he was ready to face any probe.

Tito was arrested by the STF on June 30 on charges of murder and kidnap. The cops had also slapped a number of cases against him.

The Congress targeted Rout after the veteran leader came out in support of Paradip Nirakar Dumper Association president Bapu Parida following his arrest by the STF last week for his alleged links with Tito. Even Rout had made a statement that a conspiracy has been hatched against Bapu to prevent him from deposing as a witness in a murder case. "He has no links with the gangster. He has not even met him," Rout had said.

However, the police said more than 28 cases were pending against Babu.

"Rout is the ring master of crime in Paradip. His son Sambit Routray is also supporting and executing his plans. Both Rout and Sambit should be brought under the purview of investigation," Sarkhel said at a news conference. "When the crime branch arrested Bapu for his involvement in several cases, how could Rout give him a clean chit? Why is the senior leader is worried so much for Bapu?"

Hitting back at Sarkhel, the senior BJD leader and Paradip MLA said: "Every one knows about the antecedents of Sarkhel who came to Pradadip as a small supervisor but now owns property worth Rs 3,000 crore. I am in politics for more than four decades. If the STF has the guts, it can include me in the investigation. I am not scared of anything."

Joining the controversy, Jagatsinghpur district BJD president Bishnu Das said: "If at all there is any link between Dama babu and Bapu, it should be established first by the STF. If anything comes out, I will carry out my responsibility as the district president."

Taking a swipe at Rout, Das, who is the BJD Jagatsinghpur district president, said: "I am always afraid of Dama babu as many people support him. He is capable of regulating the progress of my political career."

Reacting to allegations, Rout said: "I never consider Bishnu Das of my stature. I know all about him."