7-month pregnant woman shot dead in Odisha; husband, police officer detained

Rourkela police on Friday detained the husband of a seven-month pregnant woman, a day, after she was tragically shot dead in an alleged pre-planned manner at Jhirdapali gram panchayat under Tikayatpali police limits in Sundargarh district.

In a major development, police have also detained a cop along with two local youths for their alleged role in the pre-planned murder that was later shown as an attempt to loot.

According to reports, the woman’s husband Deben Behera, a local Panchayat Extension Officer (PEO), along with his associates hatched a plan to kill his wife Samyamayee Behera. As per the plan, the miscreants forced their way into the house and knocked the door when the Behera family was asleep on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday.

Also Read: Pregnant woman shot dead in suspected robbery bid in Odisha’s Sundaragarh

As the victim opened the house door, they are said to have snatched her gold chain and mangalsutra. Panicking, she screamed, and one of the miscreants shot her, killing her on the spot. The incident occurred approximately 70 km from Rourkela.

The PEO claimed he was asleep during the attack and rushed out upon hearing his wife’s screams for help, only to see his wife shot dead and the assailants fleeing. However, police suspect his involvement and detained him for further investigation.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend those behind this heinous act. Police said the timelines of the crime narrated by Deben, his mother and aunt lacked coherence.

While Deben said the crime took place at around 12:50am, his immediate neighbours claimed they heard the gunshot at around 12:20am. Moreover, Samyamayee reached Bonai Hospital at around 1:40am though it is just a 20-minute drive from her house.

Moreover, it was unnatural for a 7-month pregnant woman to open the door in the dead of the night when her husband was present at the house. On the other hand, Deben allegedly waited for a driver to take her to the hospital although he knew how to drive. Rourkela SP Nitesh Wadhwani said there are discrepancies in the statements of the woman’s family members who were present inside the house.

Interrogations with the suspects are currently underway to piece together the events leading to this grievous crime. Incidentally, Samyamayee is the cousin of Chhendipada MLA Agasti Behera.