Dhenkanal: A young man allegedly died by suicide in Baliratnapur village under Motanga Police Station limits in Dhenkanal district early on Friday morning, shortly after returning with a 13-year-old girl who had gone missing earlier this month.
According to reports, Manoj Sahu (40) of Samakoi village under Angul Sadar police station limits had lodged a complaint on April 8, stating that his daughter Archita Sahu had been missing since the evening of April 1.
Based on the complaint, Angul Sadar police registered a case under Section 137(2) BNS, and initiated an investigation.
During the probe, it came to light that the minor girl had allegedly left with Benupani. As part of the investigation, police called the parents of the accused and his two friends for questioning. On April 22, Benupani’s mother, Ashanti Sahoo (47), appeared before Angul Sadar Police and was provided overnight shelter at a safe location due to the late hours.
Early on April 24, Benupani returned to his native village along with the minor girl. Shortly afterwards, he allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself with a rope in his sleeping room. His body was recovered hanging from the room.
According to local reports, the youth took the extreme step fearing arrest and social stigma following the police action against his mother in connection with the minor girl kidnapping allegation.
Further investigation into the exact circumstances of the youth’s death and the entire episode is underway.
Police have appealed for calm and urged villagers not to take the law into their own hands.
