Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee on Saturday demanded a Crime Branch investigation into the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl in Balasore district and announced an eight-hour bandh on Oct 27 in the area where the incident took place, alleging lapses in the handling of the case and possible influence on investigation.Addressing a news conference here, party members said a fact-finding team constituted by PCC president Bhakta Charan Das visited the locality where the incident took place on Oct 22 and interacted with police officials, local residents and family members concerned before submitting a report to the state leadership.Presenting the findings, Congress members alleged that the case warranted a more comprehensive probe to uncover all those involved and examine circumstances surrounding the destruction or concealment of evidence. They also sought an inquiry into alleged external influence on the local investigation and demanded action against police personnel found responsible for lapses.The party urged the state govt to hand over the case to Crime Branch, arguing that it would help ensure a fair and impartial investigation. Congress members demanded strict action against erring officers, saying transfers alone would not be sufficient if negligence was established.State Congress spokesperson Manisha Dash Pattnaik termed the incident a planned and deliberate crime and questioned the BJP govt’s response to the case. She also sought financial assistance for the bereaved family and a govt job for a family member.Announcing the protest programme, Congress general secretary Bank Bihari Behera said a bandh would be observed in the area from 6 am to 2 pm on Oct 27. He said railway services, national highways and transportation of essential commodities would remain exempt from the shutdown. The party also plans to organise torchlight processions and public meetings ahead of the bandh.Responding to the allegations, BJP spokesperson Sujit Kumar Das said that the police are doing their job and a fair probe is being launched in the case. “The Congress is trying to politicise the sensitive matter,” he said.