Odisha ACF’s Death: Crime Branch Interrogates Forest Officer’s Wife For Over 3 Hours

Bhubaneswar: Continuing its second phase of investigation into the death of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, Crime Branch on Thursday interrogated the ACF’s wife Bidyabharati Panda at her house.

A five-member team of Crime Branch sleuths including two women officers of crime against women wing reached Mayurbhanj district headquarters on the day and then went to Bidyabharati’s house at Goudagan village in Kaptipada block.

According to sources, during the marathon interrogation lasting for more than 3 hours, the investigating team quizzed Bidyabharati on a series of questions including her post-marriage relationship with Soumya and his family members, her relationship with Parakhemundi DFO Sangram Keshari Behera and what she was doing at the time the forest officer caught fire.

The Crime Branch team also cross-checked the circumstantial evidence that was collected from the spot where Soumya was found critically burnt.

On Wednesday, the Crime Branch team had quizzed Soumya’s family members regarding his death circumstances.

It may be noted that Soumya had died after sustaining critical burn injuries on July 12.

Also Read: Odisha ACF’s Death: Crime Branch To Grill Forest Officer’s Wife Bidyabharati Tomorrow