During Zero Hour of the Odisha Assembly on Wednesday, BJP MLA Padma Lochan Panda demanded a renewed investigation into the controversial death of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, which occurred in July 2021.
The Simulia legislator raised concerns regarding the role of the former Forest Minister and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and insisted that steps be taken to reopen the case files for a thorough probe.
Soumya Ranjan had suffered severe burn injuries at his residence in Paralakhemundi and succumbed to his wounds while undergoing treatment the next day. Despite the Crime Branch initially classifying the death as accidental, his family alleged foul play. In August 2021, the state government handed the case over to the Crime Branch, which booked Soumya Ranjan’s wife under charges of negligence but cleared others, including the former DFO, of involvement.
The MLA’s renewed demand for justice resonates with Soumya Ranjan’s family’s plea to uncover the truth and ensure accountability for the tragic incident.
