Cuttack, June 13: The Commissionerate Police on Friday arrested an Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officer in connection with the death of 28-year-old final-year MBBS student Chandrika Hembram, whose body was recovered from the sand bed of the Kathajodi River in Cuttack earlier this month.
The accused, identified as Bhimsen Tudu, was apprehended from Mayurbhanj district, where he had allegedly been hiding since the incident. Police officials said he was taken into custody following an intensive investigation into the case.
Chandrika Hembram, a native of Udala in Mayurbhanj district, was pursuing her final year MBBS studies at Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital in Balasore. Her body was recovered from the Kathajodi riverbed on June 4, triggering widespread concern and prompting a detailed probe by the Commissionerate Police.
Following the recovery of the body, investigators launched a search operation based on preliminary evidence and allegations made by the victim’s family. The accused was subsequently tracked down and arrested for questioning.
During a press conference in Cuttack, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishikesh Dnyandeo Khilari said that preliminary findings indicate the accused may have played a role in the circumstances leading to the student's death.
“Prima facie evidence suggests that Tudu may be responsible for the death of the MBBS student. We have obtained digital evidence against him, and his laptop and tablet have been seized,” the DCP said.
Police have also recovered WhatsApp data as part of the investigation. According to the DCP, the accused allegedly did not cooperate with investigators and attempted to evade arrest.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that Tudu had approached the Orissa High Court seeking anticipatory bail after allegations surfaced following Chandrika Hembram’s death.
The victim’s family has alleged that Chandrika died by suicide due to issues related to her relationship with the accused and has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Police said the investigation remains underway and that all possible angles are being examined to ascertain the facts of the case.
