The administrative dispute that started with accusations of misbehavior against the Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) of Ramachandrapur panchayat under Chikiti block in Ganjam district, Odisha, was further heightened by his death.
After battling for 13 days in the hospital after allegedly attempting suicide by ingesting poison, Dandapani Patra passed away.
His passing sparked intense discussion, with many unsure of the facts behind the drastic action and whether the accusations made against him were true.
Public Reaction, Counter-Complaint, and Allegations
Patra was accused of inappropriate behavior during a marathon held on February 3 as part of a local festival by the Additional Woman Tehsildar of Chikiti block, who submitted a formal complaint at the Golanthara police station and lodged a complaint with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

Patra apparently ingested poison after the complaint, was sent to MKCG Medical College and Hospital, and eventually passed away there.
"He was a good person," said Appa Rao, a local. He never accepted bribes and used to clean the village personally. He has been employed for more than ten years. We are deeply grieved by his passing.
"I reacted similarly to how any woman should react to such an incident," the Additional lady Tehsildar remarked in response to the uproar. I registered a FIR and complained to the ICC in accordance with the law. My statement was recorded, and after the inquiry, something will be done.

An investigation is underway from several perspectives.
The Chikiti Additional Tehsildar had lodged a complaint with the ICC, according to Berhampur Sub-Collector Avinash Kumar. The involved parties received notices from the Sub-Divisional Level Internal Complaints Committee. The cops are currently looking into the situation. Following the investigation, action will be taken.
"We learned that the concerned PEO had attempted suicide while the matter was being investigated," stated Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek M. Later, his family filed a countercomplaint, claiming that the woman Additional Tehsildar had behaved inappropriately. Both cases are being looked at."We later found out that the PEO passed away," he continued. Before the body was given to the family, a post-mortem was performed. The case is still being looked into.