In a shocking revelation, Deepak Rout, the prime accused in the murder of traffic police constable Shubhamitra Sahoo, has confessed to killing his first wife, Aparna Priyadarshini, in 2022.
What was initially reported as a tragic road accident has now been exposed as a premeditated murder, according to police investigations. Deepak admitted to the crime during interrogation at Jharpada Jail on Tuesday, prompting authorities to reopen the case and gather fresh evidence.
The incident dates back to March 17, 2022, when Aparna was travelling from Dhenkanal to Bhubaneswar in a Honda City car (registration OD02AR-8494) with Deepak. Near Radhakishorepur under Khuntuni police station, Deepak claimed the car had a puncture, and while Aparna was standing outside, a stone flung from a speeding truck struck her head, leading to her death. However, no witnesses or details about the truck were provided at the time, raising suspicions.
Police now allege that Deepak orchestrated the murder to claim Aparna’s insurance money. Aparna and Deepak had married in a love marriage on April 25, 2018. Following the recent confession, investigators seized all documents related to the accident case and questioned eight members of Aparna’s family, the original investigating officer, witnesses, and the then Khuntuni police station officer. The doctors who declared Aparna dead and conducted the autopsy have also been included in the probe, along with Deepak’s brother and sister-in-law, who were present during the postmortem.
Additionally, Deepak’s foster sister, a female constable in the Commissionerate Police, has been interrogated. A special medical team re-examined Aparna’s postmortem report, confirming that the injuries were not consistent with an accident but indicated foul play. Police sources stated that the wounds suggest homicide, not vehicular mishap.
With substantial evidence now in hand, authorities plan to conduct a lie detector test on Deepak soon. Aparna’s family has long alleged murder, accusing Deepak of staging the scene to fraudulently obtain insurance benefits. The case has been reclassified from accident to murder, and police are actively collecting more proof.
This development comes amid Deepak’s ongoing trial for the murder of constable Shubhamitra, adding another layer to his alleged criminal history. Investigations continue as police aim to uncover the full extent of the crimes.
