Legal Battle Unfolds in Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra’s Death Case: Wife and DFO Challenge Court Order
A new twist has emerged in the case of the untimely demise of former Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra. In a recent development, his wife Bidya Bharati Panda and former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sangram Behera have approached the Orissa High Court to challenge an order issued by a lower court.
Legal Battle Unfolds in Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra’s Death Case
Sources reveal that both Bidyabharati and Behera have filed separate petitions in the High Court, contesting the order issued by the Paralakhemundi SDJM (Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate) court in April. The lower court had directed the duo, along with cook Manmath Kumbha, to appear before it. In their petitions, they have named the Odisha government and Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra’s father Abhiram as respondents.
The SDJM court had issued the summon order after examining the petition filed by the deceased forest officer’s father, along with recorded statements and other supporting documents. The court deemed the allegations of murder and criminal conspiracy as worthy of trial.
The charges against the three individuals include murder and criminal conspiracy under Sections 302 and 120 (B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court had scheduled April 27 as the next hearing date.
To recall the tragic events, Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra was rescued from his official quarters in Paralakhemundi on July 12, 2021, with severe burn injuries, which eventually led to his demise the following day at a private hospital in Cuttack.
Subsequently, the family of the deceased forest officer alleged that his spouse and DFO Behera could be involved in the incident, adding a controversial dimension to the already heartbreaking case.
The move by Bidya Bharati Panda and Sangram Behera to challenge the court order highlights their determination to counter the allegations leveled against them. By seeking recourse through the legal system, they aim to present their side of the story and contest the charges brought against them.
As the legal battle unfolds in the Orissa High Court, the case continues to attract attention and scrutiny. The tragic death of Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra has left a void in the hearts of his loved ones
