Cuttack: Uncertainty deepens over legal position of Bidyabharati Panda after Orissa High Court rejected her anticipatory bail plea in connection with death of her husband, ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, in 2021.
Panda had sought protection from arrest. Court earlier refused interim relief and asked investigating agency to produce case diary. She had challenged High Court order in Supreme Court, but apex court upheld it and allowed her to seek anticipatory bail as per law.
Paralakhemundi SDJM has taken cognisance under Sections 302 and 120-B IPC for murder and criminal conspiracy on complaint of Soumya Ranjan’s father. High Court had earlier extended deadline for her appearance before lower court from October 1 to October 30. Instead of appearing, she moved High Court for anticipatory bail.
Soumya Ranjan sustained burn injuries at his official residence in Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, on July 12, 2021 and died next day. DFO and cook have already been arrested in case. After bail rejection, focus is now on her next legal course.
