Probe widens, more questions emerge as Crime Branch takes over case of Odisha woman’s death

Two persons — assistant professor Samir Kumar Sahu and college principal Dillip Kumar Ghose — have been arrested so far and are under judicial custody, and it is learnt that the CAW&CW could widen the probe and question more people.

The woman had approached both the college authorities and the local police with her allegations, and investigators are expected to look into what action was taken.

Based on a complaint by her cousin, the accused have been arrested under sections of abetment of suicide, criminal intimidation, sexual harassment, stalking and insulting the modesty of a woman. Police sources said more stringent sections could be invoked as the probe progresses.

Investigators said that based on a prima facie probe and interactions with those who knew her, the woman was “under terrible mental stress” due to the inaction on her complaint.

Sources also said investigators are going to question the specific people from her college who looked into her complaint, given that her father has alleged they did not submit an “impartial report”.

The police probe is also expected to look into whether anyone “instigated” her to set herself on fire after she came out of the principal’s office that day, who supplied her with the petrol and other materials, and whether she was being bullied on social media.

“The victim had approached the local police on July 1, and they went to the college to hold discussions with her and the principal. The Crime Branch probe will examine whether there was any lapse by the police,” said an officer.