Rs 1 crore insurance money suspected behind Shubhamitra Sahu’s murder: Police Commissioner

In a major revelation, Commissioner of Police for Bhubaneswar–Cuttack, S Dev Datta Singh, on Wednesday, confirmed that the murder of woman constable Shubhamitra Sahu was the outcome of a bitter financial dispute.

According to investigators, Shubhamitra had given nearly Rs 10L to the accused ‘husband, Deepak Rout, also a police constable. Tension arose when she demanded the money back, leading to a heated quarrel that allegedly ended in her killing.

It has also been established that Deepak and Shubhamitra had solemnised their marriage in court in July 2024. Adding to the intrigue, police have unearthed information about a Rs 1 crore insurance policy taken in Shubhamitra’s name, which is now being examined for possible links to the motive behind the crime.

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

“We have conducted the polygraph test of the accused Deepak Rout. Shubhamitra had lent around Rs 10L to Deepak. Tension arose after she asked him to return her money to solemnise their marriage through social function. The two had fights over this issue. Evidences prove that Deepak killed Shubhamitra over this issue,” Commissioner Singh told mediapersons.

“We suspect the involvement of Rs 1 crore insurance money. If the body is not found, it will be hard to claim insurance. However, the probe is on and we are looking into angles if he was helped by anyone else,” the CP added. 

Police sources have revealed that, so far, evidence indicates that Deepak acted alone in committing the crime. However, investigators are still probing unanswered questions, including why the accused chose to transport Shubhamitra’s body from Bhubaneswar to the forests of Ghatagaon and bury it there.

The Commissioner stressed that while substantial progress has been made, further investigation is underway to ensure every angle.