The brutal murder of 25-year-old traffic constable Shubhamitra has taken a chilling turn, with Odisha Police now classifying the case as a ‘Red Flag’—a designation reserved for high-priority crimes requiring swift investigation and trial.
Under this classification, the Crime Branch DGP will personally oversee the probe, working in tandem with Commissionerate Police to re-evaluate all evidence gathered by Capital Police Station and Khuntuni Police Station. The goal: tighten the net around prime accused Deepak Raut, a clerk whose alleged motives span financial greed and a dark personal history.
🔍 A New Twist: First Wife’s Death Under Scrutiny
In a major development, investigators have decided to reopen the file on the mysterious death of Deepak’s first wife, Aparna, linking it to the current probe. This move signals a broader, more comprehensive inquiry that could expose a disturbing pattern.
🧩 Case Timeline: From Disappearance to Discovery
• Sept 6: Shubhamitra vanishes after duty in Surya Nagar, Bhubaneswar. Family lodges a missing complaint.
• Sept 12–13: No leads. Police circulate her photo and announce a ₹25,000 reward.
• Sept 17 (Early Morning): Deepak Raut detained after CCTV footage shows him traveling with Shubhamitra toward Keonjhar.
• Sept 17 (Morning): Her decomposed body is discovered in a sack near Ghatagaon, Keonjhar.
• Sept 17 (Afternoon): Police confirm Deepak strangled her. Motive: monetary disputes and a ₹1 crore insurance policy.
• Sept 17 (Evening): Commissionerate Police confirms financial motive. Deepak undergoes polygraph test.
⚖️ What ‘Red Flag’ Status Means
According to former senior officer Amaresh Panda, Red Flag cases mandate submission of the charge sheet within 60 days of FIR registration. A designated marshalling officer ensures prosecution witnesses appear in court promptly, accelerating the trial process.
👁️ Oversight Intensifies
The Crime Against Women (CAW) and Child Welfare (CW) units will monitor the investigation closely, ensuring transparency and justice in a case that has sparked public outrage across Odisha.
