The Odisha police fraternity is reeling in shock after Inspector Beauty Mohanty (40), known for her cheerful demeanour and exemplary service, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at Chauliaganj Police Station early Saturday morning.
Preliminary findings suggest she died by suicide — her body was discovered hanging in the police station’s rest room on the upper floor. Yet the question haunting everyone is: why did this dedicated, always-smiling officer take such a drastic step?
Beauty Mohanty joined the police force as a Sub-Inspector in 2010. Over the years, she served in Ganjam, the Commissionerate, and held charge as IIC in Markatnagar, Pahala, and Kataka Women’s Police Station. Colleagues and seniors praised her professional approach, especially her skill in resolving domestic disputes and maintaining excellent public relations. Just days before her death, she had been transferred to the high-pressure Chauliaganj Police Station.
She lived in government quarters at old Lalbag with her 10-year-old son (studying in an English-medium school) and mother-in-law. Her husband, Samir Swain, a software engineer based in Mumbai, would speak to her daily. There were no known marital issues or workplace conflicts. Everyone who knew her described her as warm, approachable, and full of life.
On Friday night, after completing her duty, Mohanty did not return home as usual. Instead, she stayed back in the station’s rest room. The next morning, her lifeless body was found hanging. The news spread like wildfire. Senior officers, including Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh, Additional CP Narasingh Bhol, ACPs, Inspectors, Mayor Subash Singh, and former MLA Pravat Biswal, rushed to the hospital. Post-mortem was conducted, and the body was later taken to the DCP office for tributes before being handed over to the family at Dahalia Bag.
A video of Beauty Mohanty urging people to cooperate with police to prevent crime and offering advice for a better future has since gone viral, adding an emotional layer to the tragedy.
Family and husband point to unbearable work pressure
Mohanty’s family has alleged that the sudden increase in workload after her transfer to Chauliaganj PS pushed her into severe mental stress. She was handling a major police station along with investigation of several old pending cases that often required travel outside the district. Despite repeated requests, she was not getting leave. She had even written to the DCP requesting a transfer so she could spend more time with her young son and family.
Her husband, Samir Swain, said, “There was never any dispute between us. I spoke to her for the last time at 10:25 pm on Friday. She sounded normal. She never wanted heavy thana duty — she always said she preferred office work so she could give time to our child and family. After coming to Chauliaganj, she would return home only at 2 or 3 in the morning.”
Police Commissioner promises thorough probe
Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh described the incident as a “big shock” for the department.
“Beauty Mohanty was a very efficient and strong officer. She never once complained about any physical or mental health issue. She remained active day and night. We will investigate every angle — her phone call records will be examined, and her family members will be questioned. The police will probe all aspects to uncover the truth.”
A case of unnatural death has been registered at Mangalabag Police Station (Case No. 1689). The rest room has been sealed. Scientific teams have collected evidence and her mobile phone has been sent for forensic examination.
The death of Inspector Beauty Mohanty has once again highlighted the immense pressure faced by police personnel, especially women officers juggling professional duties with family responsibilities.
As the investigation unfolds, the entire state waits for answers behind the tragic end of an officer who spent her life helping others.
