FM College student death: Odisha Crime Branch digs deeper, unravels key leads with digital evidence

The Odisha Crime Branch is closing in on key details in Balasore FM College student death case. Several vital leads and digital evidence have been collected, and a proper probe is underway, the Crime Branch Director General (DG) Vinaytosh Mishra said in a presser on Sunday.

Also Read: Student politics or silent persecution? Mystery deepens over Odisha college girl’s death

In a significant update on the mysterious death of the girl student at Balasore Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, the Crime Branch DG revealed that multiple leads have been obtained during the probe, and digital and forensic analysis is underway.

“We have collected substantial evidence, and the detailed investigation is still in progress,” Mishra stated. He further added that some individuals who earlier gave statements have now changed their versions, adding a new twist to the ongoing probe.

CCTV footage was collected from a petrol pump located near the college. The seized footage has been sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. Meanwhile, questioning of eyewitnesses and Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) members is ongoing.

The Crime Branch probe continued today for the fourth day, and several faculty members and subordinate staff were questioned by the anti-crime agency. The DG emphasised that the final conclusions will be based on digital proof, which still remains under scrutiny.

Responding to questions on whether the deceased student had alerted police before taking the extreme step, Mishra said no such information had been shared with the police prior to the tragic event of self-immolation.

“Our responsibility is to identify those persons who are directly or indirectly linked to the case. The number of witnesses in this case is many. Acting on a written complaint made by the girl, the college authorities had conducted a probe and found nothing against the accused. In reaction to the ICC report, the incident occurred,” the senior cop stated.

Along with this, an investigative team from the Higher Education Department and a UGC fact-finding team are also scheduled to visit the college today for additional questioning.

Reported By: Prakash Mohanty