Missing lady constable murdered near Raj Bhawan in Bhubaneswar over insurance money: sources

In a shocking twist to the disappearance of Bhubaneswar traffic constable Shubhamitra Sahu, police on Monday informed that she was murdered by Deepak Rout, a clerk posted at the Twin City Police Commissioner’s Office.

Rout, who was allegedly in a relationship with the constable, has confessed to strangling her to death on September 6.  Later, he dumped her body in a forest area in Keonjhar with the help of an accomplice.

Murder Near Raj Bhawan

Sources reported that Shubhamitra was killed near Raj Bhawan Square in Bhubaneswar, close to the official quarters of Odisha Deputy Chief Minister.

After strangling her, Rout allegedly took her to a nearby dispensary, where she was declared critical and subsequently died. He then carried the body in a bag to Keonjhar and buried it in a forested stretch near Ghatagaon.

The crime was committed the same evening she went missing after completing her duty in the Suryanagar area. For nearly 12 days, her whereabouts remained unknown until the recovery of a woman’s body in Keonjhar over the weekend raised suspicion that it was hers.

A scientific team and the Commissionerate Police are now conducting proper identification and evidence-gathering procedures.

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Motive Linked To Insurance Money

Police said Rout had allegedly married Shubhamitra in Court and took an insurance policy in her name. He is believed to have killed her to claim the policy benefits, and to recover around Rs 20 lakh he had given to her before their marriage.

Investigators are also probing the death of Rout’s first wife, who allegedly died in a road accident. Later, Rout is said to have received Rs 1 crore as an insurance claim. Following the latest development, it is suspected that there could also be some foul play in the death of Rout’s first wife.

Police Investigation And Re-Enactment

Rout, who resumed duty two days after the crime, was detained last week after CCTV and toll gate footage showed him travelling with Shubhamitra in his car towards Keonjhar.

The vehicle became the crucial lead that tied him to the case. Two other suspects have also been detained for their alleged involvement in transporting and burying the body.

Commissionerate Police have now taken Rout to both crime scenes, in Bhubaneswar and Keonjhar, for recreation of the events. A special team will further visit the Keonjhar site for evidence collection.