A shocking case has emerged from Kendrapara district, where two journalists have been arrested for allegedly abetting the suicide of a 50-year-old man, Banshidhar Mishra, who was falsely accused of rape.
The accused journalists, identified as Pratik Mishra, a reporter from an Odia news channel, and Babuli Mallick, the editor of a YouTube channel, reportedly coerced a 31-year-old woman into filing a rape complaint against Mishra.
On Thursday, Mishra was found hanging from a tree, leaving behind a suicide note that directly implicated the journalists and the woman. Following this revelation, his wife lodged a police complaint, demanding justice. The authorities have since launched an investigation, sending Mishra’s body for post-mortem and actively searching for the third accused—the woman who filed the complaint.
The case has sparked outrage among villagers in Garadpur, who staged a road blockade demanding stringent action against the accused. The protest was called off after assurances from law enforcement. However, villagers have warned of intensified demonstrations if justice is not served.
Police officials have vowed strict action against those responsible for Mishra’s death. The case remains under investigation, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
