Odisha TV actress Jessy arrested for instigating colleague to commit suicide

Bhubaneswar: Popular Odiya television actress Pralipta Priyadarshini Samal alias Jessy was arrested on Tuesday by Odisha Police on the charge of instigating her male colleague Ranjit Patnaik alias Raja to commit suicide. She was produced before the Balasore Judicial Magistrate (First Class) Babita Das who sent her to judicial custody for 14 days.

"Death of Raja was a case of suicide. The actor committed suicide due to instigation or abetment. We found that deceased actor's friend had taunted him in connection with his professional failure," Balasore SP Niti Sekhar told reporters.

The SP said Jessy allegedly scolded and offended Raja which forced him to commit suicide. The two had gone to a musical programme on February 6 at Khaira area in Balasore district where Jessy was invited. Raja, though not invited had accompanied Jessy to the event.

When another actor Chandan, who was slated to perform at the event with Jessy but did not turn up, the organisers requested Raja to perform at the event. After the show, Raja was paid only Rs 2,000 while Jessy got Rs 27,000.

"The woman actor verbally abused the victim over his capability and self respect. The altercation between the duo reached a flashpoint and Raja told the driver to stop the car," the SP said, adding "he had got out of the car and climbed over the parapet of the bridge and jumped over leading to his death".

Police had registered a case and had started investigation after Raja's family lodged a complaint alleging foul play. A six-member police team was formed to investigate the death.

On Tuesday, Jessy, event coordinator Pralay Jena and driver Dhaneswar Behera were brought to state Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL) in Bhubaneswar for polygraph. However, the test could not be conducted due to technical problems.

Balasore SP Niti Sekhar said, "We will conduct polygraph test on a later date, if need be."