PARALKHEMUNDI: In a tragic turn to the controversy surrounding royal family of Parlakhemundi, the former manager of the Gajapati Palace and her two siblings were found dead in their house at Jangam Street here on Sunday. After locals informed that foul smell was emanating from the house of Ananga Manjari Patra, the former manager, a police team went to the spot. In presence of Executive Magistrate, the police broke open the house which was locked from inside.
The body of Ananga Manjari was found on a bed and that of her sister Bijaylaxshmi Patra on the floor of a room. In another room, the Ananga Manjari's brother Sanjay Patra, who was personal assistant of Maharaj Gopinath Gajapati Narayan Deb, was found hanging from the ceiling, IIC of Parlakhemundi police station Babuli Nayak said. The trio is believed to have died at least 48 hours ago. Santosh Patra, a second brother of the ex-manager, was found in a critical condition in the kitchen. He was rushed to District Headquarters Hospital here and later shifted to MKCG Hopital, Berhampur.
The IIC said it was too early to ascertain the cause of death but suspected that the trio might have committed suicide. CDMO Dr PC Kora said Santosh seems to have consumed poison and after administering initial treatment, he has been sent to MKCG Hospital. Amitabh Thakur, IG, Southern Range, said the victims were under police scanner after allegations of holding the Maharaja captive were made against them. The police had begun investigation into the allegations two days ago, Thakur said. Gajapati district SP Sushil Panigrahi said, "Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide." The IG, however, said the cause of the death could be confirmed only after getting the post-mortem report.
Purnima Patra, the sister of the deceased, said, her siblings might have taken the drastic step after losing mental balance in wake of the hue and cry over allegations of financial misappropriation.
The former manager and her brothers were in the news recently following allegation that former MP and King Gopinath Gajapati was kept in confinement and not allowed to meet anybody including his relatives. After the issue was brought to light by Maharaja Surakhya Committee on August 14, the Gajapati was admitted to Apollo Hospital, Chennai for treatment. Chief Minister Naveen Patanaik also announced that the State Government would bear the medical expenses of the Gajapati.
The Surakhya Committee had launched an agitation demanding an inquiry into alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of property of the royal family by the former manager and her brothers. Anang Manjari and Sanjay had resigned from their posts in wake of the agitation.
Two days ago, the Maharaja's daughter Kalyani Gajapati had written a letter to the Chief Minister requesting the State Government to probe the suspected misappropriation in property transactions relating to the royal family over the past 30 years. She had demanded anyone found guilty of doing so should be punished and the money recovered from them can be used for charity work in consultation with the royal family.