Mamita Meher case: Cash reward hiked to Rs 1 lakh for info on Govind Sahu

Balangir: The Balangir Police today hiked the cash reward for providing information on Govind Sahu, prime accused in the sensational Mamita Meher case, to Rs 1 lakh.

Earlier, the police had set the amount at Rs 20,000. The police have also put up “Most Wanted” posters of the accused at various places in the district.

Mamita Meher (24) of Jharni village under Turekela block of Odisha’s Balangir district was working as a teacher at the Sunshine English Medium School at Mahaling in Kalahandi district. Mamita also served as warden of the girls’ hostel of the school. She went missing on October 8.

A body along with an anklet and a chain was recovered from the under-construction stadium site of the school during an excavation drive conducted by cops today. Though the identity of the deceased was yet to be ascertained, her family claimed that the she had worn a gold chain and a pair of anklets while leaving the house on October 8.

Alleging involvement of Govind Sahu, managing committee president of the school, behind her missing, Mamita’s family members had lodged a complaint with police. On the basis of the FIR, police detained Sahu for questioning. He was kept at the Titlagarh police barrack.

However, Sahu escaped from police custody on October 17 night. Sahu went to the bathroom on the pretext of washing his hands and then fled the place.

Mamita was allegedly called by Sahu to come to the school for official work. She was asked to come to Chandotara, where she would get a lift in the accused’s car. Mamita reportedly reached Chandotara by bus but went missing thereafter. Her mobile phone was switched off.

Mamita’s family members have alleged that Sahu was sexually harassing women employees of the school and forcing them to have physical relation with him. Mamita had recently warned Sahu of exposing him and bringing his illicit affairs to fore. He is definitely behind the missing of Mamita, the woman’s kin alleged.