Suspension Directive Issued for IFS Officer Linked to Forest Officer Murder

Bhubaneswar – On August 2, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhi instructed the immediate suspension of IFS officer Sangram Keshri Behera. Behera, now the Director (Commercial) of OFDC, was earlier the Divisional Forest Officer for Gajapati.

Behera is a key suspect in the 2021 homicide of Assistant Conservator of Forest Soumya Ranjan Mahapatra in the Peralkhemundi forest division. He was taken into judicial custody, later surrendered, and his bail petition was turned down by the court.

According to government lawyer Rajesh Kumar, early investigative reports suggested that both Behera and the victim’s spouse might have been involved, though police could not initially substantiate the claim. Behera’s subsequent appeals to the Supreme Court and High Court were dismissed, as was his Special Leave Petition.

Attorney Rajat Kumar Patro clarified that an FIR under Sections 302 (murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) was lodged against Behera in the lower and SDJM courts, and a non‑bailable warrant was issued and remains pending. The High Court’s recent order mandates his surrender before any further judicial relief, while the Session Court rejected his petition.

The CM’s directive reinforces the administration’s stance on strict accountability for forest department officials accused of serious offences.