The sudden and mysterious death of Inspector Beauty Mohanty, in charge of Chauliaganj police station in Kataka, has sent shockwaves through Odisha’s police force and triggered a high-voltage investigation laced with allegations of blackmail and illegal sand mining.
What many initially assumed was a suicide has now taken a dramatic turn. Police suspect the officer may have been under severe pressure or blackmailed over an illegal sand ghat operating in the Pahala area.
A special investigation team led by ADCP Amarendra Panda, comprising ACP Arun Swain and two inspectors (including officers from the women’s and cyber police stations), is probing every angle of the case. Kataka DCP Khilar Rishikesh Dyanadeo is personally monitoring the sensitive inquiry.
Investigators have already collected crucial digital and financial evidence. Forensic experts are scanning Inspector Mohanty’s personal mobile phone for WhatsApp chats, messages, call records and social media history. Her bank accounts are also being examined to trace any suspicious transactions that could indicate extortion or mental harassment.
A major lead has emerged from the mobile phone of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) who was under suspicion from the beginning. Data recovered from the device has shed light on an illegal sand ghat business in the Pahala area. While no direct evidence has surfaced linking Inspector Mohanty to the racket, police believe she may have been subjected to undue pressure or blackmail because of her knowledge of these illegal operations. The ASI has been on leave since Thursday, strengthening this line of inquiry. Three other names, including that of a politician, have also surfaced and will be questioned once technical evidence is fully analysed.
Notably, Inspector Mohanty’s family has not lodged any formal complaint so far. The police have registered the case on their own and are treating it as a suspicious death. DCP Dyanadeo has appealed to the public to avoid spreading rumours until the investigation concludes, promising strict action against anyone found involved.
The post-mortem report reached the police’s hands on Monday night but has been kept confidential due to the sensitive nature of the case. More details are expected to be shared on Tuesday.
The case has also drawn sharp political reaction. MP Bhartuhari Mahtab has demanded a thorough and transparent investigation, stating that the circumstances of the unnatural death are deeply worrying. He noted that Inspector Mohanty was a competent and experienced officer who had served in multiple districts and overcome several professional challenges. Her brother has categorically rejected the suicide theory and urged police to dig deeper.
As the probe gathers momentum, questions continue to mount: Was Inspector Beauty Mohanty silenced? What exactly did she know about the illegal sand business? And who stood to gain from her silence?
