Paralakhemundi ACF death case: Trouble mounts for ex-DFO, cook as Orissa HC rejects anticipatory bail

Trouble has mounted for former DFO Sangram Kesari Behera and cook Manmath Kumbh in the Paralakhemundi Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumyaranjan Mahapatra death case after the Orissa High Court rejected their anticipatory bail pleas, raising the possibility of immediate arrest. However, the High Court has allowed the two to file their bail application in a lower court.

“Sangram Kesari Behera and Manmath Kumbh, who are accused in the case, moved the court seeking anticipatory bail. The court rejected their petition. Besides, they have been permitted to go to the District court and file a bail plea,” informed Rakesh Behara, advocate of deceased Soumya’s family.
 
The case dates back to July 12, 2021, when Soumyaranjan was rescued in a half-burnt state from his Paralakhemundi quarters. Despite medical treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries. A separate case against his wife, Bidyabharati Mahapatra, remains under investigation.

During the Crime Branch probe, charges were filed against Bidyabharati under fire safety negligence laws, while Sangram Kesari Behera and Manmath Kumbh were initially given a clean chit. Soumyaranjan’s family challenged this decision in the SDJM Court of Paralakhemundi.

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Sangram Kesari Behera and Manmath Kumbh repeatedly failed to appear before the SDJM Court, prompting the issuance of a non-bailable arrest warrant in 2023. The duo then approached the Orissa High Court, challenging the warrant, where they were granted interim protection.