Cuttack: Three police personnel of Choudwar police station in Odisha’s Cuttack district were suspended after the death of 38-year-old man due to alleged custodial torture.
“Under the direction of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Biswa Ranjan Sahu, ACP, in-charge of Choudwar police station, has been suspended after a report of custodial death in this police station.”
Sub-inspector Niranjan Goda and constable Kamal Lochan Majhi have already been suspended over this case due to dereliction of duty,” an official order said.
The deceased, Rasananda Nayak of Shankarpur village in Dhenkanal district, was found hanging in the police washroom on Monday afternoon. He was detained by police the previous night in a vehicle theft case.
His wife Puja said that she received a call on Monday from police, who claimed that he had fallen ill and was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital. However, she found him dead on reaching the hospital.
Rasananda’s wife and a relative, Jitun Barik, alleged that he hanged himself using his belt inside the police station’s washroom unable to bear the police torture. “During interrogation, he confessed to the theft and returned two stolen bikes and two phones. However, three police personnel assaulted him with a pipe to force him to admit that he was also involved in another theft case. They also threatened to entangle his wife in the case,” Jitun told mediapersons.
Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo said Rasananda was immediately rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital after a sentry accompanying him noticed him hanging at around 12.20 pm. He was then rushed to SCB MCH, where he succumbed while undergoing treatment, he added.
He also assured that the allegation of custodial torture will be investigated and action will be taken if any negligence is found on the part of police in ensuring his safe custody.
According to police, eight criminal cases were pending against Rasananda in Dhenkanal Sadar police station, Kaliapani police station in Jajpur, Markat Nagar police station, Cantonment police station and Athagarh police station in Cuttack and Nandankanan police station in Bhubaneswar.
