Bidyabharati Case / Accused Sangram Behera Surrenders Before Trial Court in ACF Soumyaranjan Mahapatra Death Case

Paralakhemundi, Jul 27: Former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sangram Behera surrendered before the SDJM Court in Paralakhemundi on Monday in connection with the high-profile death case of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumyaranjan Mahapatra.

Surrenders Through Counsel
According to reports, Behera surrendered before the court through his lawyer following recent legal developments in the case.

His surrender comes after the Orissa High Court directed him to appear before the trial court.

Case Dates Back To 2021
The case stems from the death of ACF Soumyaranjan Mahapatra, who sustained severe burn injuries at his official government residence in Paralakhemundi in July 2021 and later died.

Soumyaranjan's family had alleged that his wife, Bidyabharati, and then DFO Sangram Behera were involved in an illicit relationship and had conspired to murder him.

Court Rejected Crime Branch Findings
The Crime Branch, which initially investigated the case, had given a clean chit to Sangram Behera. However, the SDJM Court did not accept the closure report.

The trial court later issued summons against Bidyabharati, Sangram Behera and cook Manmath Kumbha to face trial under Section 302 (murder) and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy).

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High Court Upheld Trial Court Proceedings
The accused had challenged the summons before the Orissa High Court. However, the High Court dismissed their petitions and directed them to appear before the trial court.

In October 2025, the High Court also rejected Sangram Behera's anticipatory bail plea, clearing the way for proceedings before the lower court.

With Behera's surrender, the trial in one of Odisha's most closely watched criminal cases is expected to move forward.