Demand to reopen ACF Soumyaranjan death case raised in Odisha Assembly

A demand to reopen the investigation into the death of Paralakhemundi Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Soumyaranjan Mohapatra echoed in the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday during Zero Hour. 

Simulia MLA Padma Lochan Panda strongly urged the state government to reopen the case, alleging that crucial aspects were overlooked during the earlier probe.

Raising the issue in the House, Panda claimed that the then Forest and Environment Minister was allegedly involved in the matter, yet neither the minister nor his close associates were arrested by the previous government. He stated that the investigation had been influenced, preventing justice from being served.

“The family of Soumya Ranjan is still waiting for justice,” Panda asserted, demanding an impartial and thorough reinvestigation into the alleged murder case. 

ACF Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra’s death had triggered state-wide outrage when the incident was first reported, with the family and several organisations alleging foul play.

Notably, ACF Soumyaranjan was found half-burnt under suspicious circumstances at his official residence in Paralakhemundi on July 12, 2021. He was in critical condition when allegedly rescued by his wife and was later shifted to Cuttack, where he succumbed to injuries.

His family had raised strong suspicions of foul play and had filed a police complaint alleging murder of the ACF. Paralakhemundi Police had subsequently registered a case against the three individuals including his wife.

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The government is yet to respond to the renewed demand for reopening the case.