Berhampur: The Digapahandi police in Odisha’s Ganjam district have arrested a man for allegedly murdering his girlfriend and trying to cover up the crime as a road accident
The accused, identified as Rakesh Acharya, a resident of Nimakhandi Patha. He was working as a bus helper on a route between Digapahandi and Bhubaneswar.
According to sources, the victim, identified as Ambika Swain, originally from Roiga area, was staying in Berhampur to prepare for the NEET exam. The two had met in 2023 during her travels on the bus, which eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Trouble began when Ambika, along with her maternal uncle and relatives, started pressuring Rakesh to marry her. Reluctant to tie the knot, Rakesh allegedly hatched a plan to eliminate her.
The Staged Accident
On June 7, Rakesh took Ambika out to Gopalpur. While returning, he allegedly pushed her off the motorcycle on Ankuli overbridge at around 8 pm to make it look like a fatal crash.
Following which, Rakesh himself took a severely injured Ambika to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur and informed her family members that they had met with an accident. However, as soon as doctors declared Ambika dead, Rakesh panicked and fled the hospital premises.
How the Plot Unraveled
Rakesh’s sudden disappearance from the hospital raised heavy suspicions among Ambika’s family. Her maternal uncle, subsequently lodged a formal complaint against Rakesh at Baidyanathpur police station, accusing him of murder.
During the investigation, several loopholes exposed Rakesh’s story:
No Vehicle Damage: When the police seized and examined the motorcycle, they found absolutely no scratches or signs of impact that would typically indicate a collision or road accident.
Inconsistent Statements: During interrogation, Rakesh repeatedly changed his stance. He initially claimed a truck hit them, causing Ambika to fall, after which she was run over by a car.
Scientific Evidence: A scientific team visited the spot, analysed the vehicle photos, and concluded that the physical evidence did not match Rakesh’s claims.
Following a rigorous investigation and gathering of scientific evidence, the police confirmed that it was a well-planned murder.
