Bhubaneswar: The death of medical student Chandrika Bhanjabala Hembram in Odisha sparked fresh rows on Sunday with her family and relatives making a number of claims about her life.
Notably, the body of the 29-year-old woman was recovered from the Kathajodi River near Trisulia Bridge in Cuttack district.
While her cousin claimed about a missing diary that may contain crucial details about her life and recent disturbing experiences, her family alleged that Chandrika’s boyfriend had begun ignoring her because of her complexion.
Chandrika’s cousin Rashmita Hansda alleged that a personal diary maintained by the deceased medical student has gone missing mysteriously.
She claimed that Chandrika continued writing in the diary during a recent visit to Bhubaneswar prior to the incident. However, after her death, the diary could not be found at her residence or among the belongings reportedly seized by the police.
The disappearance of the diary has left family members puzzled and has triggered speculation that it may contain significant details about her personal circumstances before her death.
Rashmita further claimed that she had sent information and photographs related to Chandrika’s death to the male friend and asked him to come to Cuttack. However, no response was received from him, she alleged. Rashmita further claimed that Bhimsen later unfollowed Chandrika and several of her relatives on social media platforms.
Meanwhile, Chandrika’s family claimed that her boyfriend had begun distancing himself from her because of her complexion and his involvement with another woman.
The deceased was a third-year MBBS student at Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital in Balasore and hailed from Raidandia village in Mayurbhanj district.
According to her family, Chandrika had been in a long-term relationship with Bhimsen Prasad Tudu, and the couple had planned to marry in 2027. However, the relationship soured after Bhimsen developed a close relationship with another woman.
Family members alleged that Bhimsen started ignoring Chandrika and frequently made remarks about her complexion. They claimed he was attracted to another woman because of her fair skin tone.
The family further alleged that Chandrika became worried about her appearance and sought medical treatment to improve her complexion. Investigation has revealed that she began consulting a noted dermatologist in Bhubaneswar from October 13 last year and had been prescribed medicines and cosmetic creams. She reportedly visited the city several times for follow-up consultation.
When Chandrika’s body was recovered from the river on June 4, police found a bag on the bridge. The bag reportedly contained medical prescriptions and cosmetic creams. During the investigation, police found that the prescriptions had been issued by the dermatologist.
