Mystery shrouds death of ACF Soumya Ranjan; special team to probe

Paralakhemundi, July 17: Mystery still shrouds the death of Paralakhemundi Assistant Conservator of Forest(ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, who died after suffering severe burn injuries in a fire mishap that had occurred at his residence last week. Police have registered a murder case against three persons, including his wife Bidya Bharti in this connection. However, the local police could source no substantial clue regarding the death mystery after seven days of the incident. Meanwhile, a special team from Gajapati has left for Baripada in the morning to inquiry into the case. The team will interrogate the deceased ACF’s wife Bidya Bharati tomorrow. 32- year old Soumya Ranjan sustained critical burn injuries at his residence at Paralakhemundi last Sunday. The incident took place in the presence of his wife and the cook Manmatha Kumbha. Subsequently, he was rushed to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Later, he was shifted to a Cuttack-based private hospital since his health condition worsened at night. However, he succumbed to the injuries on Monday. Being informed, Paralakhemundi police sealed the room, where Mohapatra had allegedly been burnt and initiated an investigation. However, no stain due to smoke and blaze was traced from the spot. At the same time, no trace of electrical fire accident was found inside the room. Similarly, the dresses, furniture, and other household goods remained unaffected. Meanwhile, Soumya’s father Abhiram Mohapatra lodged an e-complaint with Paralakhemundi police suspecting a foul play behind his son’s death. He alleged the connivance of Soumay’s wife Bidya Bharati, the Divisional Forest Officer of Gajapati, Sangram Keshari Behera, and the cook Manoj Kumbha. On the other hand, the dying declaration recorded under section 161 in the presence of the magistrate revealed that Bidya Bharati was not in the room when Soumya Ranjan was fatally burnt. If the statement is considered to be correct, Soumya may have been burnt due to a sudden fire accident. Otherwise, he might have charred himself into flame out of depression.