Cuttack: The body of a Nigerian undertrial prisoner, who died during treatment in SCB Medical College and Hospital at Odisha’s Cuttack city, would be handed over to his relatives to be flown back to his country.
According to sources, the Nigerian, identified as Augustine Odikpo, was arrested by Puri police from Patna on February 11, 2019 in connection with a case of cybercrime and was lodged in Puri Jail.
Following some ailment, Augustine was admitted to the district headquarters hospital at Puri on May 9. Later, he was shifted to SCB Medical where he died on May 26. But his body has not been sent to Nigeria reportedly due to official procedures.
Abinash Rout, administrative officer, SCB Medical, said following Augustine’s death, post-mortem was conducted in consultation with superintendent of Puri Jail. “As Augustine was a foreign national, statutory formalities are required to be completed. We have informed Puri Jail superintendent and IG Prisons and are coordinating with local police. After embalming the body, it has been kept in the Anatomy department,” he said.
Rout said Augustine’s brother and jail staff came to the hospital and hopefully would take the body for sending it to Nigeria today.
