Bhubaneswar/Cuttack, Jun 27: The Odisha government on Saturday dismissed newly recruited Odisha Taxation and Accounts Service (OTAS) officer Bhimsen Tudu from government service following his arrest in connection with the death of medical student Chandrika Hembram. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi approved the action, making Tudu ineligible for any future government employment.

The dismissal came amid the ongoing investigation into the high-profile case, in which police recently invoked Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against Tudu after alleging that he maintained a physical relationship with Chandrika on the promise of marriage.

Dismissed During Induction Training
According to an official release, Tudu had recently been appointed to the Odisha Taxation and Accounts Service and was undergoing induction training at the Madhusudan Das Regional Academy of Financial Management (MDRAFM).

He had remained absent from training since June 4 and also failed to appear for the academy's final examination.

During the same period, Baranga police arrested him in connection with Chandrika Hembram's death, following which he was remanded to judicial custody.

The government said that since Tudu remained in police custody for more than 48 hours in connection with a criminal case, action was initiated under the applicable service rules, resulting in his dismissal from government service. The order also bars him from being considered for any government job in the future.

Chandrika's Mother Welcomes Govt's Decision
Reacting to the government's decision, Chandrika's mother Hiramani Hansda welcomed Tudu's dismissal from service but said the action alone was not sufficient.

She demanded stringent punishment for both Bhimsen Tudu and his female friend Swati, alleging that both should face the harshest punishment under the law. She also urged police to bring Swati within the ambit of the investigation instead of questioning only Tudu.

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

Police Reveal Key Details
On June 25, police said allegations made by Chandrika's family regarding the nature of Chandrika and Bhimsen's relationship were corroborated during the remand period, prompting the addition of the stringent provision. If convicted under Section 69 of the BNS, the accused could face up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine.

Investigators also said Tudu allegedly admitted during questioning that he had met Chandrika shortly before her death. Police are verifying the location of the meeting, the circumstances surrounding it and the sequence of events that followed.

What Happened to Chandrika?
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 Kathajodi River near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Setu in Cuttack.