Crime Wing Probe Ordered Into Russian MP, Co-Traveller's Deaths In Odisha

Odisha DGP Sunil Kumar Bansal on Tuesday ordered a CID probe into the "unnatural" death of two Russian nationals, including a lawmaker of that country, at the same hotel in Rayagada district.

Pavel Antov, a Russian MP and businessman, died after falling from the hotel's third floor on December 24. Vladimir Bidenov, his co-traveller, was also found dead in his room on December 22.

"DGP, Odisha has ordered CID-Crime Branch to take over enquiry into Rayagada Police Station UD Case. These cases relate to unnatural death of two Russian nationals in Rayagada Dist," the Odisha Police said on Twitter.

Antov had reportedly come to Rayagada along with Bidenov and two other friends on tourist VISAs to celebrate his 66th birthday, a police officer said.

Bidenov was found lying unconscious in the hotel room with a few empty wine bottles around, on the first floor. When rushed to the district hospital, doctors declared him dead. His other companions are being questioned, the officer said.

While Budanov's last rites were completed in Rayagada, police have preserved Antov's body, he added.

Hotel owner Koushik Thakkar said Antov was visibly disturbed and appeared to be under depression following the death of Bidenov.

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