Cuttack: Four days after the body of medical student Chandrika Hembram was recovered from the Kathajodi River near Cuttack, police on Monday said significant progress has been made in the probe into the suspicious incident.
Police said the woman had reached Trisulia in a cab on Thursday and was suspected to have climbed onto the bridge over the river. CCTV footage from the Trisulia market area and the preliminary post-mortem report have been obtained, while efforts are on to recover data from her mobile phone as part of the investigation.
According to Cuttack DCP Rishikesh Khilari, police are searching for Chandrika’s male friend based on a complaint lodged by her family. Verification of documents recovered during the investigation is also underway. A special team has been constituted to probe the case, and substantial progress has been made, he said.
The investigation has taken a dramatic turn after Chandrika’s family alleged that a love triangle involving her boyfriend, an officer of Odisha Administrative Service (OAS), and another woman drove her to death.
Based on a complaint filed by Chandrika’s mother, Hiramani Hansda, Barang Police registered Case No. 283 under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 34 (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to the complaint, Chandrika and the OAS officer had been in a relationship for nearly 14 years since their school days at a Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mayurbhanj district. The family alleged that after the officer cleared the Odisha Civil Services examination and joined training, another woman entered his life, leading to a strained relationship and alleged mental harassment of Chandrika.
It was further alleged that that Chandrika, who studied MBBS from Fakir Mohan Medical College and Hospital, Balasore, had been suffering from depression due to the deteriorating relationship.
Investigators have recovered a medical prescription from her belongings found near Netaji Subhas Bridge and are in touch with the doctor who reportedly treated her in Bhubaneswar shortly before her death. Police are also examining call records, chat histories and other digital evidence from her mobile phone.
While preliminary examination reportedly found no external injury marks on the body, police are awaiting detailed forensic findings to determine whether Chandrika died by suicide or under suspicious circumstances.
The family has accused the OAS officer and another woman of being responsible for Chandrika’s death, alleging prolonged emotional distress. They have also claimed that the officer raised issues related to her complexion.
Sources said that an audio recording purportedly featuring a conversation between the officer and Chandrika’s mother has surfaced and is likely to be examined as part of the investigation.
Family members further alleged that Chandrika had undergone cosmetic skin-lightening treatment in an effort to save the relationship and had planned to approach the officer’s family and explore legal options shortly before her death.
Investigation is in progress and all allegations are being thoroughly examined, police said.
