How Did the Missing Woman Constable Case in Odisha Unfold?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Domestic disputes can escalate into severe violence.
- Intensive police investigations are crucial in missing persons cases.
- Support systems for mental health are vital to prevent tragedies.
- Awareness of domestic violence signs is essential for prevention.
- Legal repercussions for such crimes must be strict to deter future incidents.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 17 (NationPress) The Commissionerate Police has successfully unraveled the enigma surrounding the disappearance of a woman traffic constable from Bhubaneswar, who had been unaccounted for since September 6, as reported by Suresh Dev Datt Singh, the Commissioner of Police, on Wednesday.
In a press briefing, Singh disclosed that the 25-year-old victim, Subhamitra Sahoo, hailing from Pichukuli in Khordha district, fell victim to murder at the hands of her husband, Deepak Kumar Rout, a fellow constable within the Commissionerate Police. He concealed her remains at a secluded site within a forest near the Ghatagaon region of Keonjhar district.
The police chief recounted that Subhamitra had reported for duty on September 6, and a missing persons report was filed at the Capital Police station on September 7 when she failed to return home post-duty. Following this, law enforcement initiated a thorough search operation to locate the missing constable.
Singh further elaborated that Subhamitra had wed the accused Deepak on July 23, 2024. A review of Subhamitra’s messages revealed she was experiencing depression and had expressed her wish to go into hiding about a week prior. The Commissioner mentioned that the police had also examined various religious sites, as the couple had planned pilgrimages to places like Banaras and Mathura.
The Commissionerate Police had previously offered a cash reward for any reliable information regarding Subhamitra Sahoo. On September 17, Deepak Rout was called in for questioning at the Capital Police Station. Under prolonged interrogation, he confessed to having a relationship with Subhamitra for over a year, culminating in their registered marriage. Disputes over financial issues, particularly Subhamitra’s request for Rs 20,00,000 to perform wedding rituals, had sparked frequent arguments, according to the police.
During questioning, Deepak admitted that on September 6, he collected Subhamitra from her workplace in his Honda City car (Registration No. OD-02-R-8494) and strangled her between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM in the Unit-VI area. He subsequently disposed of her body in the forest of Keonjhar district.
The Police Commissioner, while addressing the media, stated that investigations are ongoing to explore other potential motives for the murder, including suspicions that the accused might have intended to claim life insurance money after Subhamitra's death.
In the meantime, police have unearthed Subhamitra’s body from a gunny bag after excavating in a forest at Ghatagaon in Keonjhar during the scene recreation. Based on his confessions and corroborating evidence, a case (535/25) has been filed under Sections 103(1) and 238 BNS at the Capital Police Station. The accused, Deepak Kumar Rout, has been apprehended in connection with the case.