Cuttack: The investigation into the mysterious death of meritorious medical student Chandrika Hembram has taken a dramatic turn, with her family alleging that a love triangle involving her Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer boyfriend and another woman led to her death.
Following a complaint lodged by Chandrika’s mother, Hiramani Hansda, Barang Police have registered a case and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young doctor, whose body was recovered from the Kathajodi River near Cuttack.
Police have registered Case No. 283 under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 34 (common intention) and formed two teams to investigate whether Chandrika died by suicide or was the victim of foul play.
According to the complaint, Chandrika and the accused OAS officer had been in a relationship for nearly 14 years since their school days at a Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mayurbhanj district. Both families were reportedly aware of and accepted the relationship.
The family alleged that after the man cleared the Odisha Civil Services examination and joined OAS training, another woman entered his life, creating a love triangle. Chandrika’s mother claimed that the officer gradually distanced himself from her daughter and subjected her to severe mental harassment, allegedly with the involvement of the other woman.
The complaint states that Chandrika, who had completed her MBBS studies at Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Balasore, had been suffering from depression due to the deteriorating relationship.
Investigators have recovered a medical prescription from Chandrika’s belongings, which were found near Netaji Subhas Bridge. Police are in contact with the doctor who had reportedly examined her in Bhubaneswar days before her death.
Police have also seized Chandrika’s mobile phone and are scrutinising call records, chat histories and other digital evidence. Preliminary examination of the body reportedly revealed no external injury marks, though investigators are awaiting detailed forensic findings.
In an emotional statement, Chandrika’s mother alleged that her daughter’s boyfriend and his female companion were responsible for her death. She claimed the young woman had become mentally shattered after learning about the other relationship and had repeatedly faced rejection despite their long association.
The family has also made sensational allegations that the officer was reluctant to marry Chandrika because of her complexion. An audio of a phone conversation between Chandrika’s boyfriend and her mother has also surfaced. The OAS babu wanted a fair-skinned girl. But he first fell in love with a dark-skinned girl. When he found a fair girl, his love for the dark-skinned girl vanished.
According to her mother, Chandrika had been undergoing cosmetic skin-lightening treatment in Bhubaneswar and had taken several doses of injections in the hope of improving her appearance and saving the relationship. In the recording, the man is allegedly heard saying that his feelings for Chandrika had faded and that marriage was not possible without mutual love.
Family members further claimed that shortly before her death, Chandrika had expressed her intention to speak with her boyfriend’s family and consider legal action over the dispute.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishikesh Khilari said police are examining all possible angles, including allegations of harassment, abetment to suicide and murder. Investigators are analysing digital evidence, witness statements and the post-mortem report to determine the exact circumstances leading to Chandrika’s death.
The case has triggered widespread public attention, with growing demands for a thorough and impartial investigation into the death of the young medical graduate.
