Forester's wife and son arrested for his murder in Nayagarh

Bhubaneswar, June 2: Police have arrested the wife and son of forester Sishir Sahu, whose half-burnt body was recovered from his residence in Baramasidanda area of Nayagarh town, Odisha, on Saturday.

Sahu, posted at the Sarankul Pancharida forest range, was allegedly set ablaze by his wife Namita and son Abhisek following a heated argument on Friday night. According to Nayagarh SDPO Jyoti Ranjan Samantaray, a crime scene reconstruction and interrogation led to their arrest. Namita reportedly suffered minor burn injuries during the incident, while Abhisek remained unhurt.

“Both the wife and son confessed to the crime. Family disputes appear to be the motive,” the SDPO stated. Sahu was said to rarely visit home and often slept in his vehicle during visits.

Investigators initially suspected the murder was pre-planned and attempted to be staged as an accident, possibly linked to suspicions of Sahu’s extramarital affair. Evidence, including widespread fire damage throughout the house, indicated petrol was poured extensively to ensure his death.