Paralakhemundi: Sensational revelation by a former watchman has given a twist to the death case of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra.
The former watchman, Ganga Pradhan, was engaged as a night guard at the official residence of Paralakhemundi DFO Sangram Keshari Behera.
Talking to a private channel on Saturday, Pradhan said the DFO used to visit the ACF’s official residence late at night. But the DFO sacked Pradhan after he realised that the latter knew about his nightly visits.
Following Pradhan’s statement, a reporter from the private channel went to the DFO’s office for a clarification. But the DFO told him to leave his office.
“Please leave my office and allow me to do my office work,” the visibly miffed DFO said.
Reacting to the former watchman’s statement, the deceased ACF’s father, Abhiram Mohapatra, said the media should ignore the DFO.
“What you want ask that DFO? He is a corrupt officer. He has killed my son. God will give him exemplary punishment,” he fumed.
Notably, a five-member Crime Branch team led by DSP Gyana Ranjan Mishra had grilled Soumya Ranjan’s wife Bidyabharati Panda at her house at Gaudagan village in Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district for nearly seven hours on Thursday.
While the Crime Branch had asked her around 70 questions, Bidyabharati answered some questions, but kept mum on several other queries.
Later, the DSP told the media that Crime Branch team was not satisfied with Bidyabharati’s answers and she will be interrogated again.
Also Read: Odisha ACF’s Death: Crime Branch Interrogates Forest Officer’s Wife For Over 3 Hours
