Odisha ACF's Death: Know What Hurdles Police Face

Even as the police have been continuing with the investigation into the unnatural death of the former Assistant Conservator of Forests, Paralakhemundi, Soumyranjan Mahapatra on July 12, the popping up of murkier details, allegations day in and day out about the couple have only put a glare on whether there is any criminality involved in this sensational case.

As per the statement of DIG (Southern range) Satyabrata Bhoi, the police is investigating the case from all angles - homicide to accidental death. Bhoi addressing a press meet today said, " Police have got some vital leads in the case which will aid the investigation. And the official residence of the ACF was the crime spot."

Did police get A Breakthrough?

The statement by DIG Bhoi shows that the police gathered some clinching trails that may lead to a breakthrough soon. Since the police have zeroed on the crime spot, the DIG seems upbeat over solving the death mystery at the earliest.

However, notwithstanding the DIG's optimistic statement, senior police officials see many a loop in this particular case. As per their opinion, to unravel the loops, a meticulous probe is needed. And police shouldn't rush for a deadline.

What Are The Loops?

• As per a senior police official, during the investigation of burnt cases, the investigators and forensic team are required to analyze the undisturbed crime scene at the earliest possible time to collect the physical evidence.
• Because only after a proper investigation at the undisturbed crime scene, the police can be able to distinguish between homicide and accidental burning - that which will be further corroborated by the autopsy findings.
• But in this sensational case, the incident happened on July 12 night, police had visited the crime spot after 72 hours. The gap between the death and visit is too long and there is no guarantee that the crime spot was undisturbed.

Any Miss Outs Then?

• As police reached the spot late, they could have missed out on the photograph/sketch that was to be recorded first at the crime scene.
• Also missed out was, what had been the condition of the wearing apparels.
• Because such details can give clues on whether there had been any signs of a scuffle on the spot.
• Moreover, sudden spot visits could have helped the investigation team to detect the origin of the fire point.
• Moreover, it could have also helped the police in seizing incriminating essentials like Matchbox/lighter, from the spot, and is also essential for the cops to collect the fingerprints.
• An immediate spot visit will only help in identifying the size of the fire.
• A sudden spot visit could have helped the police/forensic team in collecting shreds of evidence like oozing of blood from the nose/or any other part of the body and colour of the blood.

The Course Of Action Now

• In such a typical case, where the collection of unadulterated physical evidence is very limited, then as per the senior police official, investigating officers have to go for analysis of call records of both the victim and suspect.
• Moreover, it has to rely also on local intelligence input to lay hands on clinching trails.