Wife of Slain Blogger Alleges Conspiracy in Bhubaneswar Murder Case
In a dramatic turn of events, the wife of slain social media blogger Rahul Maharana has come forward with serious allegations, claiming that his killing was the result of a well-orchestrated conspiracy. Divine Divyadarshini Das, speaking to reporters on Monday, firmly rejected police assertions that the murder stemmed from a trivial altercation, instead suggesting a deeper, more sinister plot.
Allegations of a Prior Parking Dispute
Das revealed that the murder may be linked to a prior parking dispute involving five individuals, including a woman. She stated that she had lodged a formal complaint with the Mancheswar police on September 10, 2025, after the group quarreled with her husband when he asked them not to park their car outside the couple's business unit. "Police refused to mention this dispute in the FIR related to my husband's murder. I strongly suspect that the killing is connected to that incident. It appears police are trying to cover up the investigation," Das alleged, expressing her deep-seated concerns about the handling of the case.
Questioning the Police Narrative
Further challenging the official account, Das questioned the police narrative of the crime. According to authorities, the three accused attacked Maharana after he intervened in a quarrel involving his friend, who was speaking loudly over the phone. However, Das pointed out a critical inconsistency: "But why did they not target his friend, who was supposedly the cause of the dispute? His whereabouts remain unknown," she said, casting doubt on the motive presented by law enforcement.
Police Response and Investigation Details
In response to these allegations, police officials have dismissed Das's claims, maintaining that their investigation is on the right track. An officer from the Mancheswar police station stated, "Our investigation is on the right track. We have evidence against the three accused—Sangram Keshari Behera (37), a jawan posted in Jammu & Kashmir, and his nephews Samarendra Behera (20) and Sangram Behera (24). They were strangers to the victim." The officer added that three of Maharana's friends, who were present at the scene, have provided testimony supporting the involvement of the accused.
According to police reports, the trouble began when one of Maharana's friends spoke loudly on the phone at a playground in GGP Colony, disturbing the trio seated nearby. "It was not a premeditated crime. The murder arose from sudden provocation during the altercation," the officer emphasized, downplaying any notion of a conspiracy.
Forensic Evidence and Background Checks
Investigators have recovered liquor bottles and glasses from the crime scene, though they have not confirmed whether either group was drinking at the time. These items have been sent for forensic and fingerprint examination to gather more evidence. Additionally, police noted that none of the accused had any prior criminal record, which complicates the narrative of a planned conspiracy.
As the investigation continues, the conflicting accounts from the victim's wife and the police highlight the complexities of this case, raising questions about transparency and justice in Bhubaneswar.
