Kataka: The Orissa High Court on Thursday granted conditional bail to Bhimsen Prasad Tudu, the former OT&AS trainee arrested in connection with the death of medical student Chandrika Hembram.
The bail was approved against two sureties of Rs 50,000 each, after rejection of earlier applications by lower courts citing risks of witness influence and non-cooperation during investigation.
His lawyer told the court that police have already questioned him from all possible angles and have filed the chargesheet. It was argued that keeping him in jail any longer would not help the investigation. The defence also said Tudu would not run away or break the law after getting bail.
Chandrika, a meritorious MBBS student, was found dead in the Kathajodi River near Trisulia in Kataka district on June 4. Following her family’s complaint, police registered a case and arrested Bhimasen on June 13 after he remained missing for several days, charging him under multiple sections including abetment to suicide.
Bhimasen, who had recently joined the Odisha Taxation & Accounts Service (OTAS), was dismissed from government service five days ago. The Chief Minister’s Office clarified that he would not be eligible for any future government employment due to his arrest and prolonged custody.
While granting bail, the HC has barred Tudu from meeting or speaking to the witnesses in the case. If any witness finds that he has broken this condition, they can approach the court and inform it about the matter.
Tudu was taken on police remand twice during the investigation. Police had questioned him about his relationship with Chandrika and their last meeting before her death.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with allegations of harassment and a love triangle adding layers of complexity.