A gruesome incident has shaken the quiet neighbourhood of Subash Nagar Lane 1 under the Baidyanathpur police station in Berhampur, Odisha.
A woman identified as Sudeshna Jena, a resident of Amratulu village under Sorada police station, has been arrested for the alleged murder of Harihar Sahu, a disabled man, in a chilling act driven by greed for property.
Harihar Sahu, a retired Revenue Inspector (RI), lived in a state of physical disability, relying on others for mobility and daily assistance. Sudeshna Jena, the accused, was a tenant living on the ground floor of Sahu’s residence in Subash Nagar, Ankoli area. According to police reports, the two had developed a mental and physical relationship over time, which investigators believe may have fueled tensions related to property ownership.
On the night of May 28, 2025, in a premeditated act, Sudeshna allegedly poured petrol on Harihar Sahu and set him ablaze. The brutal attack left Sahu critically injured with severe burns. He was immediately rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for emergency treatment. However, as his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Cuttack for advanced care. Tragically, Sahu succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.
The horrific incident came to light when the victim’s daughter, Madhusmita Sahu, was informed of the attack. According to police, Sudeshna herself alerted Madhusmita about the incident. Upon reaching the hospital in Cuttack, Madhusmita learned the shocking details from her father before his passing. Distraught and determined to seek justice, she filed a complaint at the Baidyanathpur police station, leading to the registration of a case under number 259/25.
The police launched a thorough investigation, uncovering a tale of greed and betrayal. Authorities revealed that Sudeshna Jena, driven by a desire to gain control of Harihar Sahu’s property, had meticulously planned the murder. The investigation confirmed a prior relationship between the accused and the victim, which may have intensified disputes over property ownership.
Following the investigation, Sudeshna Jena was arrested by the Berhampur police. She has been forwarded to court for further legal proceedings. At a presser, Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr. Saravana Vivek M confirmed the arrest, stating, “The accused, Sudeshna Jena, was apprehended based on evidence and the complaint filed by the victim’s daughter. Preliminary findings suggest the motive was greed for property, leading to this heinous, planned murder.”
