Cuttack: The Commissionerate Police on Tuesday began interrogating Bhimsen Tudu, the male friend of deceased medical student Chandrika Hembram, after securing his two-day remand in connection with the investigation into her death.
A special police team brought Tudu to Baranga Police Station at around 11.30 am and commenced questioning him. The interrogation is being conducted by a team comprising the Investigating Officer, an Inspector and the Zone ACP.
According to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Cuttack, investigators have obtained crucial information from Tudu’s mobile phone, laptop and social media accounts. Preliminary examination of the digital evidence has reportedly revealed material indicating a possible case of abetment to suicide, which forms the basis of the ongoing interrogation.
Police are also analysing call detail records, WhatsApp chats and social media interactions to ascertain the circumstances leading to Chandrika Hembram’s death. Investigators are attempting to determine the extent of Tudu’s alleged involvement and gather evidence that could withstand judicial scrutiny.
The DCP said police are questioning Tudu on the basis of all digital evidence collected so far, including phone records and online communications. Efforts are underway to establish whether any actions or conduct on his part may have contributed to Chandrika taking the extreme step.
The investigation may also widen to include the questioning of other individuals. Police said relatives and friends of both Chandrika and Tudu, whose contact details have surfaced during the probe, could be called for questioning. If required, Tudu’s current female friend may also be examined as part of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the DCP appealed to people facing emotional distress to seek support from family members, friends and available counselling platforms rather than resorting to extreme measures. He urged individuals struggling with mental health challenges to reach out for help and avoid taking steps such as suicide.
Police officials said that if allegations of abetment to suicide are established during the investigation and subsequently proven in court, the accused could face severe legal consequences under the relevant provisions of law.
The death of Chandrika Hembram has drawn significant public attention, with investigators continuing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the medical student’s demise.
