Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has suspended a doctor posted at the Brahmapur Circle Jail following allegation of threatening call to a witness in advocate Pitabas Panda’s murder case from the prison.
The doctor, identified as Sushant Panigrahi, was placed under suspension with immediate effect by the Health and Family Welfare Department. The action was taken over allegations that Panigrahi provided a mobile phone to accused Bikram Panda, who was in the jail.
According to the order, Panigrahi was suspended for allegedly violating the Service Conduct Rules. During the suspension period, he has also been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission.
The suspension comes amid a police investigation into allegations that a witness in the Pitabas Panda murder case was threatened using a phone belonging to the jail doctor. Police seized Panigrahi’s mobile phone and also plan to question him as part of the investigation.
Police are further planning to interrogate former Brahmapur MLA Bikram Panda and another accused, Madan Dalei, who are lodged in jail, in connection with the alleged threats to the witness.
