Demand For CBI Probe Into Odisha Assistant Collector’s ‘Mysterious’ Death Continues

Rourkela: Amid the mystery over the death of Rourkela Assistant Collector Sushmita Minz, former four-time Biramitrapur MLA and tribal leader George Tirkey has alleged that she was murdered and the body later dumped in the pond of newly-constructed Sensory Park here, from where it was retrieved on September 19 evening.

“There were burn marks on her back and legs. Therefore, it is difficult to believe that she died by drowning. Since Sundargarh Collector, Rourkela ADM, Gurundia block development officer (BDO) and Gurundia child development project officer are under scanner for alleged complicity in her death, this is high-profile case and any probe by the state government will not be able to bring the truth to the fore. We will also move the court for a CBI inquiry into the case,” he said.

The protest will continue till justice is delivered to the family, he said, adding that a massive rally will be taken out after October 4.

Tribal leader Albert Kindo added that offices of SP and Collector in the district will be gheraoed on October 3 and October 6, respectively.

On September 28, Rourkela SP Mitrabhanu Mahapatra ordered a probe into the matter by a DCP-rank woman officer and said that scientific investigation techniques will used to unravel the truth. This came two days after members of Sundargarh Adivasi Mach, a tribal outfit, gheraoed the office of the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) here demanding CBI probe into the incident.

Alleging that it was pre-planned murder, Sushmita’s brother Sandip told the media he suspects involvement of the Collector, ADM and BDO in her death. He also questioned why the family was not earlier informed about her alleged depression. “I believe she was murdered for not toeing the line and engaging in illegal activities related to some land grabbing cases in Sundargarh district. She had also resorted to pen down protest,” he said.

Sandip said that there were cuts on her hands and legs and burn marks on her back. “I had lodged a complaint with Plant Site police in this regard on September 23 but it was not accepted,” he alleged, while reiterating his demand for a CBI probe into her death.

Sushmita’s family also alleged that the police in cahoots with the doctors had prepared a fake postmortem report to conceal the real cause of her death.

Also Read: Odisha Assistant Collector’s Death: Brother Cries Murder, Seeks Probe Into Officers’ Role

Notably, the postmortem report of the 35-year-old officer had ruled out homicide.