Cuttack: In a significant development in the 2022 death case of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, the Orissa High Court on Wednesday dismissed petitions filed by his wife Bidyabharati Panda and former Paralakhemundi DFO Sangram Behera, upholding a lower court’s directive for their appearance in connection with the case.
Both Panda and Behera had approached the High Court, seeking to quash the order issued by the SDJM Court in Paralakhemundi, which had summoned them along with cook Manmath Kumbh to face trial. The High Court’s ruling clears the path for all three to be tried on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy under Sections 302 and 120B of the Indian Penal Code.
The case stems from the mysterious death of ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra in July 2022, after he sustained 90% burn injuries under suspicious circumstances at his official residence. At the time of the incident, his wife Bidyabharati was reportedly present. He was first admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, and later succumbed to his injuries at a private hospital in Cuttack.
Following a complaint by the deceased officer’s family members, police registered a case against the trio. Allegations included foul play, with suspicions of premeditated murder and a larger criminal conspiracy.
The High Court’s rejection of the petitions marks a turning point in the prolonged legal proceedings, now paving the way for the commencement of trial against the accused.
