Model Soumya's Family Cries Police Inaction, Stages Protest Outside Bhubaneswar DCP Office

The family members of an aspiring model, Soumya Ranjan Panigrahi who died by suicide last month, launched a protest in Bhubaneswar on Monday alleging inaction by police in the case.

The bereaved family members staged a dharna outside the office of the deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Bhubaneswar and alleged that the police are sitting tight on the case even as 22 days have passed since Soumya took his own life.   

They alleged that the police have not taken any action against the girl whom Soumya had held responsible for his death. 

"Police have not taken any action against the girl (name withheld to protect identity) so far. She was never summoned for questioning. The police inaction prompted us to come out on the street and hold protest. We will not withdraw our protest until and unless the girl is arrested," said the deceased's sister Soubhagyalaxmi Panigrahi.

"My brother, in his suicide note, clearly mentioned that the girl is responsible for his death. There are enough evidence against her, but the police are yet to arrest her," she alleged. 

She said that her family found enough evidence when they checked the cellphone of Soumya. 

"We have transferred that evidence to our phones. The police have also seized the phone and suicide note. Despite that, no action has been taken in this regard. If we can see the crucial evidence against the girl, how come the police are blind to those," she questioned.    

The body of Soumya was found hanging at his house on the night of January 30.