Sambalpuri music video actress found dead; family alleges murder

Sambalpur: The mutilated body of a woman that was found under Mahanadi River Bridge near Goira Matha in Sambalpur today morning has been identified to be that of popular Sambalpuri album artiste Simran Singh. Though police suspects it to be a case of suicide, family members alleged that Simran has been murdered by her husband.

According to reports, deceased Simran hails from Jharsuguda district and was returning after attending a programme yesterday when her family members lost contact with her. Simran had acted in several Sambalpuri music video albums and was quite popular in western parts of Odisha. Some of her popular songs include ‘Selfie Bebo,' 'Rickshawala,' 'Rimjhim' and others.

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“We lost communication with her yesterday and she (Simran) had earlier informed that she had reached Sambalpur station and was returning home,” said mother of the deceased, Rani Devi.

Rani further alleged that Simran had tied nuptial knot with Juga Suna, a youth from Belpada in Bolangir in April last year against the family's wish. However, soon after the marriage, the youth and his family started to torture her physically and mentally and a case was also lodged in this connection in Jharsuguda Police Station.

“My daughter has been killed as Juga Suna was not willing to continue with the marriage and was threatening to marry another girl,” alleged Rani.

Following the incident, senior police officials reached the spot and have sent the body for post mortem.

“Prima facie it appears to be a case of suicide. However, the exact cause of death can be ascertained only after we get the post mortem report. We have registered an unnatural-death case and we will conduct a detailed investigation taking into account the allegations of the family members and other aspects,” said a senior police official.