The Puri police have ‘red flagged’ the case pertaining to the murder of a girl by her family members and the hurried cremation of the body in Gop block for speedy investigation. The police arrested three more persons on Wednesday.
The DSP of Investigative Units for Crime against Women (IUCAW), Manobrata Satapathy has been entrusted with the investigation into the death of Monali Maharana of Bijipur under Gop block. Additional SP of IUCAW has been directed to supervise the case.
“Taking into account the gravity of the case, SP, Puri directed Mrs Manobrata Satapathy, DSP, IUCAW, Puri to take up investigation of the case. Addl SP IUCW has been directed to supervise the case. During investigation, a scientific team was deployed. From the spot, ashes, burnt bone pieces & burnt wood residues were seized by the scientific team which will be sent for DNA analysis,” the police said.
The police on Tuesday arrested Durga Charan Maharana (45), the father of the deceased after gathering sufficient evidence against him and forwarded him to the court.
After further investigation, the police found sufficient evidence against three persons and arrested them. They are Susanta Maharana (24), Nakula Maharana (65), and Siba Maharana (35), all residents of Bijipur.
“The above accused persons have been apprehended today and they will likely be forwarded to court today. Further investigation of the case is in progress,” the police said.
“The case has been treated as Red Flag Case. DSP IUCAW is investigating the case and police will complete investigation at the earliest and submit charge sheet early,” the police added.
It can be mentioned here that Monali was allegedly killed by her father Durgacharan, stepmother and uncle. The trio later cremated her body and cleaned up the crematorium in a bid to destroy evidence.
The case came to light after the deceased’s elder sister Ranjita Maharana lodged a complaint with Gop police.