Rourkela Asst. Collector Sushmita Minz’s Death: Viscera Report Dispels Murder Allegations

Rourkela: In the ongoing investigation into the death of Rourkela Assistant Collector, Sushmita Minz, in Sundargarh district, the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of Odisha Police has ruled out the murder allegation following the analysis of a viscera report.

The HRPC has determined that the cause of Sushmita Minz’s death was drowning, as indicated by the post-mortem report. This drowning was found to be antemortem in nature. However, the police are still exploring other possible factors that might have contributed to her death.

According to Rourkela HRPC DSP Banita Majhi, the police have received the viscera report from the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) and are currently examining it. Additionally, Sushmita Minz’s mobile phone has been sent to SFSL, Bhubaneswar, for data recovery, including audio, video, photos, and files.

Despite earlier murder allegations, a senior police official has confirmed that there is no evidence of murder, and the post-mortem report supports antemortem drowning as the cause of death. There were no signs of injury on the body.

So far, more than 20 individuals, including the Sundargarh Collector, have been questioned in connection with the case. The police have also recorded statements from family members who initially alleged murder.

Sushmita Minz, the Assistant Collector of Rourkela, was discovered dead in the pond at Sensory Park, located within Plant Site police limits in Rourkela on September 19. Her brother had filed a complaint alleging murder and cited work-related stress and individuals in positions of authority as contributing factors to her death.