Senior IAS officer, four family members found dead

BARGARH(ORISSA): A senior IAS officer and four of his family members were found dead with bullet injuries and his son critically injured in their house in the district early on Friday.

The bodies of Jagadananda Panda, 50, an Orissa cadre officer now on Central deputation, and those of his wife, father and two sisters were found with bullet injuries in Deogaon, about six kms from here, Superintendent of Police Ashok Biswal said.

Police said the incident, which took place in the wee hours, appeared to be a case of suicide as Panda's service revolver was found at the site and main door and other entry points were found closed.

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

Panda was Protector General of Emigrants. He was special relief commissioner in Orissa before going on Central deputation a few years ago.

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

His 22-year-old son has been admitted to a hospital in a critical condition.

Police said the involvement of Maoists or criminals was remote as there was no signs of forced entry and added that all the five were shot from closed range.

Panda's neighbours also heard the gunshots. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem and investigations are on into the matter.