Cuttack: Cuttack DCP Rishikesh Khilari on Monday said investigators have made significant progress in the probe into the suspicious death of medical student Chandrika Hembram, whose body was recovered from the Kathajodi River near Cuttack last Thursday.
According to the DCP, Chandrika had arrived at Trisulia in an Ola cab on the day of the incident and is suspected to have later climbed onto the bridge over the river. Police have collected CCTV footage from the Trisulia market area, obtained the preliminary post-mortem report and are recovering data from her mobile phone as part of the investigation.
Khilari said police are searching for Chandrika’s male friend based on a complaint lodged by her family. Verification of documents recovered during the investigation is also underway. A special team has been constituted to probe the case, and substantial progress has been made, he added.
The investigation has taken a dramatic turn after Chandrika’s family alleged that a love triangle involving her Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer boyfriend and another woman drove her to death.
Acting on a complaint filed by Chandrika’s mother, Hiramani Hansda, Barang Police registered Case No. 283 under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 34 (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.
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. The family alleged that after the officer cleared the Odisha Civil Services examination and joined training, another woman entered his life, leading to a strained relationship and alleged mental harassment of Chandrika.
The complaint further states that Chandrika, who had completed her MBBS from Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Balasore, had been suffering from depression due to the deteriorating relationship.
Investigators have recovered a medical prescription from her belongings found near Netaji Subhas Bridge and are in touch with the doctor who reportedly treated her in Bhubaneswar shortly before her death. Police are also examining call records, chat histories and other digital evidence from her mobile phone.
While preliminary examination reportedly found no external injury marks on the body, police are awaiting detailed forensic findings to determine whether Chandrika died by suicide or under suspicious circumstances.
The family has accused the OAS officer and another woman of being responsible for Chandrika’s death, alleging prolonged emotional distress. They have also claimed that the officer was unwilling to marry her and cited issues related to her complexion. An audio recording purportedly featuring a conversation between the officer and Chandrika’s mother has surfaced and is likely to be examined as part of the investigation.
Family members further alleged that Chandrika had undergone cosmetic skin-lightening treatment in an effort to save the relationship and had planned to approach the officer’s family and explore legal options shortly before her death.
Police said all allegations are being verified and the investigation remains underway.
