Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), July 25: The Commissionerate Police arrested the husband of a woman journalist found dead on railway tracks near Bapuji Nagar in Bhubaneswar the previous evening.
The arrested individual has been identified as Sridhar Jena. According to sources, Jena was taken into custody following a complaint filed by the family of the journalist, Madhumita Parida. He faces charges under Sections 80 (dowry death), 108 (abetment of suicide), 103 (murder), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. His elder brother has also been detained for questioning.
Madhumita, a copy editor for a regional website, had been married to Jena for approximately three months. She reportedly died by suicide by jumping in front of a train between 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm on Wednesday. A video posted on social media allegedly recorded by Madhumita before her death accuses Jena of harassment and multiple affairs. She had traveled to the railway tracks near Mausi Maa Temple on her two-wheeler.
Madhumita’s sister alleged that she had previously attempted suicide by drinking phenyl, with a complaint filed with the police on Monday. “My sister recently discovered that he was previously married and had to pay Rs 6 lakh as a divorce settlement. When she attempted suicide earlier, the police intervened, and he had promised to resolve the issues,” she said.
She also mentioned that Jena was considering a divorce and had prepared the necessary papers. Madhumita’s father alleged that Jena, an Indian Air Force personnel who returned home about five days ago, along with his elder brother, was responsible for pushing her onto the tracks.
