IFS officer suspended in ACF death case.
Bhubaneswar. The state government has taken a significant administrative step regarding the high-profile case involving the death of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra in Odisha. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered the immediate suspension of senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Sangram Keshari Behera. Behera was currently serving as the Director (Commercial) at the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC). The Chief Minister’s decision comes after Behera surrendered in court and was sent to judicial custody following the rejection of his bail pleas.
This action by the state government is viewed as a crucial step towards ensuring accountability in the matter. Following recent developments in this long-discussed case, the government has signaled clearly that action will be taken in accordance with the rules against officers facing serious allegations.
According to reports, on July 27, Sangram Keshari Behera—the former Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Gajapati district—surrendered before the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) court in Parlakhemundi through his counsel. After appearing in court, he filed an application seeking regular bail. However, considering the gravity of the case, the SDJM court rejected his bail plea.
Subsequently, Behera approached the District and Sessions Court seeking relief. He filed a bail petition there as well, but failed to secure relief; the court rejected his plea. Having been denied bail by both courts, he was remanded to judicial custody and the formalities for his imprisonment were completed.
Following these events, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi adopted a strict administrative stance and directed that Sangram Keshari Behera be suspended. Acting on the Chief Minister’s order, the concerned department initiated the formal suspension process. Under government service rules, an officer can be suspended upon being remanded to judicial custody, and this step was taken in accordance with that provision. The case regarding the death of Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra has been a subject of widespread discussion in Odisha for some time. Since the matter came to light, there have been persistent demands for an impartial investigation and action against the guilty. The government, the judiciary, and investigative agencies have been closely monitoring the developments surrounding the case. The situation has now taken a new turn following the surrender, rejection of the bail plea, and subsequent suspension of Sangram Keshari Behera.
Forest Department officials state that the administration is viewing the entire matter seriously and that the investigation will proceed in accordance with the law. Any action against an officer or employee will be taken based solely on available evidence and the judicial process. Necessary departmental measures are also being taken to ensure compliance with service rules.
According to legal experts, the suspension of a government official does not imply a conviction; rather, it is an administrative procedure designed to facilitate a fair investigation and judicial process. The final decision will rest on the court’s verdict and the reports submitted by investigative agencies.
The case has also elicited continuous reactions from political and social circles. Various organizations and citizens have demanded an impartial inquiry and strict action against those responsible. The government has indicated that negligence or violations of rules at any level will not be tolerated and that legal action will be ensured.
Following directives from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, it is evident that the state government is treating the matter with seriousness. Sangram Keshari Behera’s suspension is viewed as a significant administrative step, while the judicial process continues to take its course. Further significant developments may emerge in the coming days based on the investigation and court proceedings.
Currently, Behera is in judicial custody, and legal proceedings against him are underway. Meanwhile, the state government has conveyed a clear message that there will be no leniency in taking necessary action—in accordance with the law and service rules—against any public servant facing serious allegations. All eyes are now fixed on the next course of action by the investigative agencies and the upcoming court hearing in this matter.
