Cuttack, Jun 25: Fresh evidence gathered during a two-day police remand has prompted investigators to invoke Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Bhimsen Tudu in the Chandrika Hembram death case, with police alleging he maintained a physical relationship with the medical student after promising to marry her.

Police said Bhimsen's remand ended after investigators questioned him extensively in connection with the death of the medical student.

According to police, allegations levelled by Chandrika's family regarding the nature of the relationship were corroborated during the remand period, leading investigators to add the stringent BNS provision against the accused.

If convicted under Section 69 of the BNS, the accused could face up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine.

Accused Admits Meeting Chandrika Before Death
Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said Chandrika had been staying in Bhubaneswar for nearly seven days before her death. During questioning, Bhimsen allegedly admitted that he had met Chandrika shortly before the incident.

Police are now verifying the exact location of their meeting, the circumstances under which it took place and the events that followed. Investigators are also examining evidence linked to the last interactions between the two.

Marriage Refusal Under Probe
The DCP said investigators gathered important evidence regarding Bhimsen's alleged refusal to marry Chandrika and the circumstances that led to the breakdown of their relationship.

Police believe these findings could play a crucial role in establishing the sequence of events leading up to Chandrika's death.

Additional Charges May Be Added
Describing the matter as a "special report case," the DCP said a senior police officer is personally supervising the investigation.

He added that based on the evidence collected during remand, additional charges could be incorporated against the accused when the final chargesheet is filed.

Call Recordings, Chats Come Under Scanner
The latest development comes following scrutiny of alleged call recordings and chat messages that surfaced in recent days, indicating strain in Chandrika's relationship with Bhimsen.

Also Read: ‘DIE DIE DIE’ Note Not Enough, Says Family; Search for Chandrika’s Diary, Laptop Intensifies

Messages reportedly sent by Chandrika to her mother shortly before her death had suggested she wanted her family to contact Bhimsen's relatives and consider legal action.

Body Recovered From Kathajodi River
It can be mentioned here that Chandrika Hembram, daughter of Bhaju Hembram from Udala in Mayurbhanj district, was found dead on June 4 after her body was recovered from the Kathajodi River near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Setu in Cuttack.