Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: The mysterious death of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra has taken a dramatic turn with serious questions emerging over the authenticity of his dying declaration. The Orissa High Court recently rejected anticipatory bail pleas of key accused former DFO Sangram Keshari Behera and cook Manmath Kumbh.

Contradictions in Dying Statement

Soumya, who sustained 95% burn injuries at his government residence in Paralakhemundi on July 12, 2021, allegedly gave a dying declaration stating he was burning papers when kerosene accidentally spilled and ignited. However, discrepancies in the timeline and procedural records have raised doubts. The declaration was reportedly recorded at 11:05 PM, while the requisition letter to the hospital was sent at 11:10 PM—raising the question of how the statement was documented before the official request.

Also Read: ACF Soumya Mohapatra Death Case: Trouble Mounts For Wife Bidyabharati, Two Others

Setback for Accused

The High Court dismissed the defense arguments presented by then DFO Behera’s lawyer, who relied heavily on the dying declaration. With bail denied, the possibility of arrest looms large for Behera and Kumbh. The court upheld charges under IPC Sections 302 (murder) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy), paving the way for trial proceedings.

Political Link

Adding to the intrigue, former Forest Minister Bikram Keshari Arukh has come under public scrutiny. Soumya’s father, Abhiram Mahapatra, has questioned the clean chit given to the accused by the Crime Branch, citing inconsistencies in forensic evidence and witness accounts.

Tragic Death

Notably, Soumya Ranjan sustained severe burn injuries at his official quarters in Paralakhemundi on the night of July 12, 2021. Despite being admitted to a private hospital in Cuttack, he succumbed to his injuries on July 13. His family alleged foul play, implicating the trio in a possible conspiracy behind his death