In a chilling incident in Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, a minor girl, driven by an illicit affair, allegedly conspired with her boyfriend, Ganesh Rath, and his friend, Dinesh Sahu, to murder her foster mother. The case has left the local community in shock.
The victim, a widow, had adopted the girl at three months old, raising her with love and care akin to her own child. To fulfill the girl’s desire for an English-medium education, she relocated to a rented house in Paralakhemundi and enrolled her in Kendriya Vidyalaya. However, the minor became entangled in a relationship with Ganesh Rath, which her foster mother discovered and opposed, sparking resentment.
On April 29, the trio executed a cold-blooded murder, smothering the woman in a planned attack. To cover their tracks, they cremated her body, claiming she died of a heart attack, and fled with her gold jewelry. The plot unraveled when the victim’s brother, suspicious of the circumstances, accessed the girl’s Instagram chats with Ganesh, revealing incriminating evidence. He lodged a complaint with Paralakhemundi police, who reconstructed the crime scene and exposed the conspiracy.
Police arrested the minor, Ganesh Rath, and Dinesh Sahu, recovering over 25 grams of gold jewelry, two mobile phones, and the pillow used in the crime. The girl is suspected to be pregnant, pending medical confirmation. The adult accused have been presented in court, and investigations continue. This tragic case has ignited debates on moral values and family bonds.
