Cuttack, July 4: In a latest development in former Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra's death case, his wife Bidya Bharati went missing after SDJM Court issued NBW on July 1.
Sources said, the Paralakhemundi SDJM court has earlier issued Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) against the deceased’s wife Bidya Bharati Panda, former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sangram Behera, and the cook Manmath Kumbha after they failed to depose in connection with the case despite repeated reminders.
The police have received an order to arrest Bidya Bharati if she fails to appear before the court on July 7.
Worth mentioning, after admitting a petition filed by the deceased ACF’s father Abhiram Mohapatra, the Paralakhemundi SDJM court has initiated criminal conspiracy proceedings against the Bidya Bharati, Sangram Behera, and Manmanth Kumbha.
Worth mentioning, on July 2021, ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Cuttack. On July 14, his family lodged a complaint against former Gajapati DFO Sangram Behera, the deceased’s wife Bidya Bharati Panda, and cook Manmath Kumbha alleging murder.
The state government had ordered a Crime Branch inquiry into the case on August 14. The Crime Branch termed the incident as an ‘accidental death’.
