In a major development in the investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Mamita Meher, a lady teacher from Mahaling Sunshine School in Kalahandi, the police on Tuesday exhumed a half-charred decomposed body from an under-construction stadium near the school campus.
The discovery of the body has raised speculations that it could be that of Mamita as a gold chain and an anklet has also been recovered from the site. Mamita's mother had told the police earlier that her daughter was wearing the ornaments when she last left home around 12 days ago before she went missing.
However, police sources said that the identity of the body is yet to be established. The investigating team will send the body samples for DNA profiling in order to ascertain its identity. The family members of Mamita have also been approached to identify the body.
Meanwhile, reactions from various political parties and different sections of society galore the development with the Opposition gunning for the head of Minister of state for Home, Dibyashankar Mishra who has come under a cloud for his alleged proximity to the president of the school managing committee, Gobinda Sahu who has been named the prime suspect in the disappearance of the lady teacher and her suspected murder. The whereabouts of Sahu is still unknown following his dramatic escape from a barrack of the Titlagarh police where he had been summoned for questioning on Sunday. The police, which had announced a cash reward of Rs 20,000 for information on his whereabouts, later raised the amount to Rs 1 lakh.
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Congress activists stage protest
Congress activists staged protest outside Bhawanipatna police station alleging the involvement of Minister of States (Home) Dibyashankar Mishra in the incident. They shouted slogans against the ruling party, burnt posters and effigies of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik and Mishra. They demanded a CBI probe into the incident.
BJP demands resignation of Mishra
Opposition BJP demanded resignation of Mishra.
“A five-member delegation of BJP will visit Kalahandi, Mamita’s house, police station and college. Team of Mahila Morcha will also visit the spot,” said Odisha BJP president Samir Mohanty.
Debi defends Mishra
On the other hand, reacting on the allegation about the involvement of Mishra in the case, BJD vice-president Debi Mishra said facts should be established first before levelling allegations.
"Just levelling allegations won’t prove one guilty. Law will follow its own course, culprit will definitely be punished," said Mishra.
Cash award increased to Rs 1 Lakh
Meanwhile, Bolangir police put up posters of school president Govind Sahu, who had escaped from police custody, declaring him most wanted. Earlier, a cash reward of Rs 20,000 was announced for sharing information on Govind. Later, it was increased to Rs 1,00,000 .