Cuttack: The Orissa High Court today dismissed petitions filed by Bidyabharati Panda and former Paralakhemundi Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sangram Behera, who had challenged the directive of the SDJM court in Paralakhemundi.

The case pertains to the death of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra. The SDJM court had earlier directed Panda and Behera to appear before it in connection with the case. Cook Manmath Kumbh was also summoned to appear.

Panda, the wife of the deceased ACF, and Behera had filed separate petitions in the High Court seeking to overturn the SDJM court's order. However, the High Court today rejected their pleas, paving the way for all three accused, Panda, Behera, and cook Manmath Kumbh, to face trial on charges of murder and criminal conspiracy.

The incident dates back to July 2022, when ACF Mohapatra suffered severe burn injuries at his residence while his wife was reportedly present. He was initially admitted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital with 90 percent burn injuries and later succumbed to them at a private hospital in Cuttack.

Following allegations by Mohapatra’s family members, police registered a case against Panda, Behera, and Kumbh under Sections 302 (murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code.