Engineering Student Suicide in Berhampur: Police Arrest Odisha Minister’s Nephew for Alleged Abetment
Manoj Kanta Dash, Odishabarta
Berhampur, June 21, 2026: Golanthara Police on Sunday arrested Biswajit Jena alias Papu (24), son of Manmath Kumar Jena of Pandarasahi village under Golanthara Police Station limits, in connection with the alleged abetment of suicide of a 20-year-old engineering student of Gandhi Engineering College, Golanthara. The accused, who is reportedly the boyfriend of the deceased, was arrested following an investigation into Golanthara PS Case No. 226/2026 and was later forwarded to the court.
The tragic incident came to light on June 20 when the student, a BCA undergraduate residing in the girls’ hostel of the college, was found hanging in her hostel room by her sister and fellow roommates. She was immediately rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
Based on a complaint lodged by the victim’s uncle, Golanthara Police registered a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to abetment of suicide against Biswajit Jena. Police launched an investigation and began collecting evidence to ascertain the circumstances that led to the student’s death.
Senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police, Berhampur, visited the scene. A scientific team and an Executive Magistrate also conducted a detailed examination of the hostel room. An inquest was carried out in the presence of the Executive Magistrate, while a post-mortem examination was conducted by a team of doctors.
During the course of the investigation, police seized the mobile phones of both the deceased and the accused for scientific and technical analysis. Investigators also questioned the victim’s friends, roommates and acquaintances to gather information regarding her relationship with the accused and the events preceding the incident.
Police sources said that evidence collected during the investigation led to the arrest of the accused on June 21. Further investigation is underway to establish all facts surrounding the case.
The incident has triggered concern among students and parents, while police continue to probe the circumstances that allegedly drove the young student to take the extreme step.
