HC Allows Criminal Trial in ACF Death Case, Rejects Wife’s Plea for Quashing Proceedings

Bhubaneswar, July 10, 2025 — The Orissa High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Bidyabharati Panda, widow of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, seeking to quash criminal charges against her. The court upheld the April 2023 order of the Sub‑Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) in Paralakhemundi, which had taken cognisance of a murder complaint filed by Mohapatra’s father. The accused include Panda, former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sangram Kesari Behera, and the family cook Manmath Kumbha.

Justice Sibo Sankar Mishra, in his July 3 decision, emphasized that the case involves contested facts that must be examined in court and is still in its early stages. He permitted Panda to seek discharge before the trial court, urging it to consider her defence impartially.

Incident Overview and Investigation

On the night of July 11, 2021, Mohapatra suffered severe burn injuries—over 90 percent—at his official quarters in Paralakhemundi. He was initially treated at MKCG Hospital in Berhampur and later transferred to a private hospital in Cuttack, where he died on July 13, 2021. His father, Abhiram Mohapatra, alleged foul play and lodged a murder complaint against his daughter‑in‑law, the DFO, and the cook.

In response, Paralakhemundi police registered a murder case under Sections 302 (murder) and 120‑B (criminal conspiracy). The Crime Branch took over in August 2021 and initially filed a chargesheet charging Panda under Sections 304‑A and 285, blaming negligence, while clearing the DFO and cook. It described the incident as accidental.

Disputed Evidence and Allegations

Although the Crime Branch ruled it accidental, the SDJM court revived the murder probe in April 2023 after Mohapatra’s father produced additional evidence. The SDJM found sufficient grounds to charge all three accused in the renewed case.

The autopsy report, submitted in July 2021, confirmed ante‑mortem burns over 95 percent of his body, noting kerosene smell—heightening suspicion. A dying declaration reportedly placed Panda in another room at the time of the blaze.

Investigations revealed family discord, with evidence of a breakup note written by Panda and indications of ongoing marital strain. The Crime Branch also examined mobile call records, forensic scenes, and the involvement of timber mafia interests, as Mohapatra had been probing illegal logging.

High Court’s Ruling and Legal Course

Panda invoked Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code to halt the proceedings, arguing the charges were weak. But the High Court held that the case involves disputed facts unsuitable for pre‑trial dismissal. Justice Mishra noted: “Detailed appreciation of evidence and consideration of the petitioner’s defence can only take place during trial.”

He allowed Panda to seek discharge before the trial court, stating that prior quashing would be premature. The court reaffirmed that cognizance decisions are based on allegations and prima facie supporting documents—reasonable at this juncture.

Political and Public Reactions

Simulia MLA Padma Lochan Panda, in April 2025, demanded a fresh probe into the case, citing unresolved mysteries and calling for accountability regarding the roles of the Forest Minister and DFO.

Local advocacy groups and civil society have echoed this call, urging that all leads—especially those involving timber racket pressure—be thoroughly examined without bias.

What Happens Next

The trial will proceed in the SDJM court at Paralakhemundi. Key phases expected include:

Framing of charges under Sections 302, 120‑B, 304‑A, and 285.
Witness testimonies, including the deceased’s dying statement, forensic experts, and forensic-scene investigators.
Defence submission, where Panda, Behera, and Kumbha can contest evidence and present alibis.
Evaluation of motive, including alleged conspiracy, marital tension, timber‑mafias pressure, or accidental causes.

Background Timeline

July 11–13, 2021: Soumya Mohapatra severely burned and dies in hospital.
August 2021: Crime Branch investigates; files chargesheet finding accident; charges Panda with negligence.
April 2023: SDJM court reopens murder case based on fresh evidence.
July 3, 2025: Orissa HC refuses to quash charges, allowing trial to continue.