Odisha ACFO Dies Of Critical Burn Injuries, Family Alleges 'Murder By Wife'

An Assistant Conservator of Forest Officer (ACFO), of Paralakhemundi District Headquarters in Gajapati has died of severe burn injuries. He passed away during treatment at a private hospital in Cuttack on Tuesday. The deceased official has been identified as Soumyaranjan Mohapatra. When the ACFO was rescued in a half-burnt condition from his official residence at Paralakhemundi this morning, he had already suffered almost 80 per cent burns. He was rushed to the district headquarters hospitals initially; and from there he was taken to Berhampur MKCG hospital for further treatment. Later, after his condition deteriorated, he was again shifted to a private Hospital in Cuttack. However, fighting for his life, Mohapatra succumbed to his injuries. Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation to determine whether it was an attempted suicide or a case of fire mishap. Shockingly, the ACFO's family members have alleged foul play suspecting the involvement of his wife in the incident.