Bureaucrat, four family members found dead in their Orissa house

Bargarh (Orissa), July 31 (ANI): A senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Orissa cadre and four of his family members were found dead with bullet injuries while his son is fighting for life after being critically injured in their house here early on Friday.

Superintendent of Police Ashok Biswal said, the bodies of Jagadananda Panda, 50, now on Central deputation, his wife, father and two of his sisters were found with bullet injuries in their house in Deogaon, about six kilometres from the Bargarh District headquarters.

Panda was Protector General of Emigrants. He also served as the Special Relief Commissioner in Orissa before going on Central deputation a few years ago.

Biswal said the incident appeared to be a case of suicide as Panda's service revolver was found at the site and the main door and other entry points were found closed.

Panda's mother, who was sleeping on the first floor of the house, came down after hearing the gunshots.

The dead have been identified as Panda's father Manoshi Panda (75), wife Surekha Panda (46) and sisters Bijayalaxmi (57) and Kishori Mishra (54).

Panda's 22-year-old son has been admitted to a hospital.

Police said Panda's neighbours also heard the gunshots this morning. The bodies have been sent for a post-mortem.

Police have ruled out the involvement of Maoists in the incident. (ANI)