The public prosecutor had sought remand of the accused by highlighting the preliminary stage of investigation, heinous nature of the crime and recovery of the extortion money.
Jeetu Soni has been absconding and a Rs 30,000 bounty has already been declared on him. The Madhya Pradesh government has also demolished his illegal properties.
Jena, who was also an All India Congress Committee member and former Union Minister claimed that the Congress is in cahoots with BJD to support the mining mafia in the state.