BHUBANESWAR: Amid questions over the cremation of the two Russians, including Vladimir Putin-critic Antov Pavel instead of their burial in Odisha, the state Crime Branch has learnt from their family members that Pavel's mother too was cremated in Russia and cremation is a standard custom in the country.
The Rayagada police allowed cremation of the bodies of Pavel and his co-traveller Bydanov Vladimir, who died under mysterious circumstances in their hotel on December 22 and 24, after receiving power of attorney from their respective family members. Death of Pavel, who was a rich lawmaker, triggered suspicion of a hit-job as many of Putin critics were allegedly killed in similar fashion in different countries in the past.
