ACF death suspense:Crime Branch carries investigation forward

Gajapati,Aug 18: Mystery continues to shroud the death of Paralakhemundi Assistant Conservator of forest (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra. Crime Branch has taken over the investigation from the police. Acting on the complaint filed by Soumya Ranjan’s father, Gajapati police had booked Bidya Bharati, Soumya’s wife and DFO Sangram Keshari Behera. However, Paralakhemundi police failed to establish the role of DFO and Bidya Bharati in the incident even after a month of the incident. Police had interrogated the DFO, ACF’s cook Manmath Kumbh and 108 ambulance driver but failed to get any clues. Police also failed to ascertain whether it was a case of suicide or murder. However, police investigation had ruled out links of the DFO in the incident raising many eyebrows. Annoyed over it, Soumya’s family finally met DGP and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) and demanded action against the DFO. They also demanded CBI probe into the incident. Subsequently, the Crime Branch took up the investigation on August 14. Crime Branch team led by a DSP has been carrying intense investigation into the case. The team has visited the spot thrice where Soumya was recovered with critical burn injuries at the government residence at Paralakhemundi. At the same time, the team has also been grilling the DFO, Bidya Bharati, the cook,108 ambulance coordinator, the health workers of Paralakhemundi hospital again and over again. It is believed that the Crime Branch had seized relevant documents from Paralakhemundi hospital and Cuttack hospital to analyse the treatment history. At the same time, more than 10 suspects in the case have been brought under the ambit of investigation.