Bhubaneswar, Feb. 19 -- The death of the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Ramachandrapur panchayat under Chikiti block in Odisha's Ganjam district further intensified the administrative controversy that began with allegations of misconduct against him.

Dandapani Patra died after battling for 13 days in hospital following an alleged suicide attempt by consuming poison.

His death triggered widespread debate, with questions being raised over the circumstances that led to the extreme step and whether the allegations levelled against him had substance.

The Additional Woman Tehsildar of Chikiti block had lodged a complaint before the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and filed an FIR at Golanthara police station, alleging inappropriate...