Kataka: The Orissa High Court has rejected the anticipatory bail application of Bidyabharati Panda, wife of deceased Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra, in connection with his death in 2021, increasing uncertainty over her legal position in the case.

Panda had approached the High Court seeking protection from arrest in the case. The court had earlier declined to grant her interim protection while her anticipatory bail plea was pending and directed the investigating agency to produce the case diary for consideration.

She had also challenged an earlier High Court order before the Supreme Court. However, the apex court upheld the High Court’s decision and allowed her to pursue anticipatory bail through the appropriate legal process.

The Paralakhemundi Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate had taken cognisance of offences under Sections 302 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code, relating to murder and criminal conspiracy, respectively, following a complaint lodged by Soumya Ranjan’s father.

The High Court had earlier directed Panda to appear before the lower court by October 30 after extending the deadline from October 1. Despite the scheduled appearance, she subsequently approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

Soumya Ranjan Mohapatra suffered burn injuries at his residence in Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, on July 12, 2021, and died the following day. The circumstances surrounding his death triggered a high-profile investigation.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) and the cook have already been arrested in connection with the case, according to reports. Following the rejection of Panda’s anticipatory bail plea, questions have arisen over her next legal move.