Odisha VLW death: Process for demolition of accused’s guesthouse begins

Jajpur:  The district administration today initiated process for demolition of guesthouse ‘Rangasala’ owned by Rupesh Bhadra, who is accused of abetting the suicide of Haridaspur village level worker (VLW) Smitarani Biswal.

As per the direction of the Executive Magistrate, Dharmasala, prohibitory order under Section 144 of CrPC was clamped today at the guesthouse. The guesthouse was sealed and electricity connection was discontinued.

Earlier, the local Tehsildar and Additional Tehsildar had undertaken spot verification and found that the guesthouse was constructed on a patch of government land at Baligari village under Dharmasala police limits, following which eviction order was given by the district administration.

Notably, Smitarani had gone to Haridaspur panchayat to disburse old age pension among the beneficiaries on October 16. Later, she went to the guesthouse in Rupesh Bhadra’s car. She was then found dead in Rupesh’s personal room in the guesthouse. Police have arrested Rupesh on charges of abetting Smitarani’s suicide.