Crime Branch takes over model Soumya Panigrahi suicide case, initiates probe

In a fresh development in the model Soumya Ranjan Panigrahi suicide case, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police recorded statements of his parents at their residence in Ainginia, Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

The Crime Branch has taken over the unsolved case following orders of the Orissa High Court.

As per reports, an eight-member CB team arrived at their residence to question and ascertain the events leading up to the suicide of their son Soumya.

Soumya had died by suicide on January 30, 2022 at his residence in Nandan Vihar area of Bhubaneswar. In his suicide note, he had blamed his ‘girlfriend’ Sonali for his death.

The family of the deceased had lodged a complaint with the police and later knocked on the doors of the Orissa High Court alleging police inaction against Sonali Nanda, who they blamed for their son’s suicide.

A handwritten note, presumed to be the suicide note, had been recovered from the victim's room. In the letter, Soumya had accused the girl, with whom he was in a relationship for the past several months.

The police registered a case against singer Sonali Nanda and her mother in April 2022. The case was registered at Infocity Police Station in Bhubaneswar following the direction of the Orissa High Court.

The mother-daughter duo were booked under Sections 306 (Abetment of suicide) and 34 of the IPC.

(Reported By Alok Mohanty, OTV)