Indian hockey player Birendra Lakra accused of the murder of his friend

Birendra Lakra, an Indian hockey player and Olympics bronze medalist, has been accused of killing of Anand Tappo. According to sources, Lakra plotted the murder of his childhood friend, along with his girlfriend Manjit Tete, in Bhubaneshwar in February of this year.

Birendra, his girlfriend Manjit Tete, and Anand were living together in an apartment inside Infocity police limits, according to a complaint submitted by the deceased's father Bandhana Tappo. He spoke about the argument the two friends had about Manjit, which led to them planning to kill Anand. However, they claimed the death a suicide and have been concealing the issue ever since.

"It would be difficult on part of a father to bear his newly married son’s death. After an argument, Birendra and Manjit had tied Anand’s hands before strangulating him to death at the apartment and termed it suicide," Bandhana said as reported by Sports Tiger.

"Anand returned to Bhubaneswar after getting married. The trio (Birendra, Anand and Manjit) was leading a happy life. On February 28, Birendra called me to inform me that Anand committed suicide. When our family members reached the spot, Birendra showed ignorance about the matter," he added.

Explaining why he suspected Birendra, Bandhana said, "From the prima facie evidence it was clear that Anand was murdered. Sensing Birendra’s hand behind Anand’s death, we went to file a complaint with Infocity police. However, police had not received our complaint."

Anand's father was upset with the delayed investigation into the matter and demanded clarification. "Even after four months, police have failed to unravel the exact reason behind Anand’s death. Had Anand committed suicide, police would have established the reason behind Anand’s committing suicide. Police should clarify the reason behind delaying the investigation," he said.

According to reports, Anand Tappo married on February 16, and his reception was held on February 18. Birendra Lakra attended the function. Birendra and his girlfriend have both moved out of the flat since Anand's death.