Humane Sagar death: Mother levels explosive charges, demands justice

A month after the death of popular Odia singer Humane Sagar, his mother, Shefali Suna, has made a series of explosive allegations, raising serious questions over the circumstances surrounding her son’s demise.

Speaking on OTV’s 'Khola Katha', Shefali demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into alleged financial misappropriation involving two managers and an orchestra owner. She also levelled serious allegations against co-singer Arpita Choudhury.

Shefali alleged that Humane Sagar’s former manager, Dinesh Behera alias Papu, was the main 'villain' in the entire episode. According to her, Papu deliberately concealed the fact that her son was suffering from liver cirrhosis. She claimed that when she suggested taking Human Sagar to Vellore for advanced treatment, the manager reacted angrily.

Shefali alleged that driven by financial interests, the manager and others continued to exploit the singer despite his deteriorating health. She also alleged that Humane was taken from home to the hospital and straight from there to the stage to perform.

She further claimed that heated arguments broke out between Papu, herself and her daughter-in-law, Shreya, while Humane was admitted to the ICU. Distressed by the disputes, the singer reportedly pleaded with everyone to remain silent.

Shefali also made serious allegations against Arpita Choudhury, stating that Arpita used to visit Humane late at night on the pretext of attending programmes. Admitting awareness of the situation, Shefali said that it was a big sin on her part.

Shefali also acknowledged that she had lodged a complaint against her daughter-in-law, Shreya. Additionally, she stated that Human Sagar’s driver was aware of all developments and had requested the police to include his name in the FIR.

"Prashant Behera and Dinesh Behera used to take my son to IIGH Hospital, where fluid was regularly drained from his abdomen. After four to five hours, they would take him back to perform at shows again. I had repeatedly requested Dinesh to take my son to Vellore for advanced treatment. However, he questioned me about the facilities there. When I told him that foreign doctors also come to that hospital, he became angry and said that medicines from Odisha are being sent abroad. He assured me that my son would recover with proper food and care. But today, I have lost my son. I am now seeking justice in this matter. I want to know what was given in his food that caused his health to deteriorate so severely," said Shefali.

Clarifying the delay in lodging the FIR at Cuttack’s Markat Nagar police station, Shefali explained the circumstances that led to the complaint being filed later.

Among the nine persons named in the FIR is M.D. Abid alias Bablu, owner of Sagar Sangam Live. Abid is the first among the accused to respond publicly to the allegations.

Speaking to OTV, Abid said Humane began his career with his orchestra in 2013, earning Rs 1,000 per show, which later increased to Rs 1.5 lakh by 2023. He denied withholding any dues and claimed he had no knowledge of the singer’s personal financial dealings. 

"I have not done anything with Humane, so I will feel guilty. His mother should get justice. I am even ready to undergo a lie detector test if required," said Abid.

Also Read: Humane Sagar death case: Police to summon all named in FIR, says Cuttack Additional DCP

So far, except for Abid, no reactions have been received from the other accused. Earlier, former manager Dinesh Behera had stated that he would cooperate with the investigation. 

Meanwhile, the Commissionerate Police have reopened the Humane Sagar death case and intensified their probe. Based on the complaint filed by Shefali, police have begun scrutinising the financial transactions of all nine named individuals. Call Detail Records (CDRs) spanning several years have also been sought, and notices are likely to be issued soon.