Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Odisha Suspends Forest Officer Over 2021 Murder Allegations
In Odisha, a forest officer named Sangram Keshari Behera was suspended because people said he helped kill another forest officer, Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, in 2021.
The victim was burned at home and died the next day.
The victim’s family accused Behera, the wife, and a cook.
The police made a case and the court issued warrants.
Behera went to court in July 2024 and was put in jail while the case continues.
Odisha government suspended IFS officer Sangram Keshari Behera over alleged role in 2021 death of forest officer Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra.
Behera was Divisional Forest Officer of Paralakhemundi when the incident occurred.
Mohapatra suffered burn injuries on July 11, 2021, and died July 12 in Kataka.
Family filed complaint accusing Behera, Mohapatra’s wife, and cook; case registered and warrants issued.
Behera surrendered to court July 27, 2024, and was remanded to judicial custody.
- Who
- Sangram Keshari Behera, Mohan Charan Majhi, Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra
- What
- Suspension of an IFS officer over alleged involvement in a 2021 murder
- When
- Incident: July 11-12, 2021; Suspension: 2024
- Where
- Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, Odisha, India
- Why
- Alleged role in the death of a forest officer
- Suspended Officer
- Sangram Keshari Behera
- Accused Incident
- Death of Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra
- Date of Incident
- July 11-12, 2021
- Location of Incident
- Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, Odisha
- Current Status
- Remanded to judicial custody