Former DFO Sangram Behera Surrenders in ACF Soumya Ranjan Death Case

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Former DFO Sangram Behera surrendered before the SDJM court on Monday.
The case relates to the death of Assistant Conservator of Forests Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra.
The murder case remains pending after the SDJM court took cognisance of the complaint in 2023.

Bhubaneswar: ACF Soumya Ranjan death case witnessed a significant legal development on Monday after former Paralakhemundi Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sangram Behera surrendered before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court. The case, which has remained under public and legal scrutiny for several years, relates to the death of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra following severe burn injuries at his official residence in Paralakhemundi.

The surrender marks another important stage in the judicial proceedings as the case continues to move through the courts.

ACF Soumya Ranjan Death Case Remains Under Judicial Scrutiny

Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra sustained severe burn injuries at his official residence in Gajapati district in July 2021 and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

His family alleged that the death was not accidental and sought a detailed investigation. They filed a complaint accusing his wife Vidyabharati Panda, former DFO Sangram Behera and cook Manmath Kumbha of involvement in the alleged murder. The complaint also alleged that Behera and Vidyabharati Panda were involved in an extramarital relationship, a claim that has been part of the allegations made by the complainants.

The incident generated widespread public attention across Odisha and prompted demands for an independent investigation.

Court Proceedings Continue After Crime Branch Investigation

The Odisha Government transferred the investigation to the Crime Branch in August 2021. Following its probe, the Crime Branch filed a report in October 2021 that did not find sufficient grounds to prosecute the accused.

ACF Soumya Ranjan Death Case Continues in Court

Despite the Crime Branch’s findings, the SDJM court took cognisance of the private complaint in April 2023 and summoned Sangram Behera, Vidyabharati Panda and Manmath Kumbha to face legal proceedings.