India, April 2 -- Simulia MLA Padma Lochan Panda today demanded a fresh investigation into the mysterious death of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, which occurred in 2021.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Odisha Assembly, Panda urged authorities to conduct a proper inquiry and ensure justice for Soumya Ranjan's family. The legislator also questioned the role of the then Forest Minister and Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) in the case.

Panda demanded that the case files be reopened and thoroughly examined once again.

Notably, Soumya Ranjan was found in critical condition with burn injuries at his residence in Paralakhemundi on July 12, 2021. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment ...