ACF Soumyaranjan Mahapatra Death Case: Wife Bidyabharati Panda Surrenders before Paralakhemundi SDJM Court, Watch

02 Nov 2026, 06:49 by Himanshu · KalingaTV

Paralakhemundi: In a major development in the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumyaranjan Mahapatra death case, his wife and accused Bidyabharati Panda surrendered before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) Court in Paralakhemundi on Monday.

Bidyabharati’s surrender comes after a prolonged legal battle in connection with the death of the forest officer, a case that had attracted widespread public attention in Odisha.

Earlier, another accused in the case, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sangram Behera, had surrendered before the court, while cook Manmath Kumbh was arrested by the police.

Both Sangram Behera and Manmath Kumbh are currently lodged in Paralakhemundi Jail, according to the latest information.

The death of ACF Soumyaranjan Mahapatra had sparked controversy and raised several questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident. The case subsequently became the subject of legal proceedings involving the accused.

Bidyabharati’s surrender marks another significant development in the ongoing case. Further proceedings before the Paralakhemundi court are awaited.

Background: Orissa High Court Had Rejected Anticipatory Bail Plea

On October 31, the Orissa High Court rejected Bidyabharati Panda’s anticipatory bail application. Earlier, the Supreme Court had also dismissed her Special Leave Petition challenging the continuation of criminal proceedings.

Soumyaranjan Mahapatra had suffered severe burn injuries under mysterious circumstances at his official residence in Paralakhemundi in July 2021. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Following his death, his father, Abhiram Mahapatra, lodged a complaint alleging foul play and naming Bidyabharati, the then DFO Sangram Keshari Behera and cook Manmath Kumbh.

Watch the video here:

ACF Soumyaranjan Mahapatra Death Case: Wife Bidyabharati Panda Surrenders before Paralakhemundi SDJM Court, Watch

Also read: Cyclone Murasu May Uproot 6,000–8,000 Electric Poles in Andhra Pradesh