Trouble has mounted for former DFO Sangram Kesari Behera and cook Manmath Kumbh in the Paralakhemundi Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Soumyaranjan Mahapatra death case after the Orissa High Court rejected their anticipatory bail pleas, raising the possibility of immediate arrest. However, the High Court has allowed the two to file their bail application in a lower court.

“Sangram Kesari Behera and Manmath Kumbh, who are accused in the case, moved the court seeking anticipatory bail. The court rejected their petition. Besides, they have been permitted to go to the District court and file a bail plea,” informed Rakesh Behara, advocate of deceased Soumya’s family. The case dates back to July 12, 2021, when Soumyaranjan was rescued in a half-burnt state from his Paralakhemundi quarters

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