Soumya Ranjan Death Case: Widow Moves Orissa HC for Anticipatory Bail

Cuttack: In a fresh development in the death case of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, his widow, Bidya Bharati Panda, has approached the Orissa High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

The move comes days after the Supreme Court dismissed her Special Leave Petition (SLP) on September 28. While refusing to interfere with earlier orders directing her to appear before the trial court, the apex court allowed her to approach the appropriate court for pre-arrest protection.

Bidya Bharati’s legal troubles intensified after the SDJM Court in Paralakhemundi rejected her applications seeking exemption from personal appearance under Section 205 of the CrPC in June 2023 and March 2024.

The Orissa High Court later upheld the trial court’s orders and directed her to surrender or appear before the SDJM court by October 1. Following the Supreme Court proceedings, the deadline has now been extended, allowing her to appear before the Paralakhemundi SDJM court by October 30.

Case Background

The case dates back to July 2021, when ACF Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra sustained fatal burn injuries at his official residence in Paralakhemundi and later died.

His family alleged a conspiracy involving his wife, former DFO Sangram Keshari Behera and household cook Manmath Kumbha. The trial court subsequently took cognisance of serious charges, including murder under Section 302 and criminal conspiracy under Section 120-B.

With proceedings against other accused continuing, Bidya Bharati’s anticipatory bail plea before the Orissa High Court has now come into focus ahead of her October 30 appearance deadline.