Jagatsinghpur: Jagatsinghpur SP Bhawani Shankar Udgata has formed a team to probe the allegations of custodial torture of a 41-year-old man detained at Biridi police station.
A show-cause notice has also been issued to the IIC of Biridi police station Sabyasachi Rout over non-functional CCTV camera, which has raised suspicion of deliberate tampering to destroy evidence related to the alleged custodial torture.
On July 25, a violent clash erupted at the BDO office here between supporters of Tirtol BJD MLA Ramakant Bhoi and Biridi block chairperson Mamata Patra due to a political rivalry. Das, a contractor, was at the office to process a payment when some miscreants allegedly attacked him and tore his shirt without provocation. Despite having no connection to the clash, Biridi police allegedly detained him at the station from 10 am to 4 pm, and subjected him to severe physical and mental torture. He was released after a relative intervened.
Das sustained injuries to his back and leg. He was initially treated at Jagatsinghpur district hospital before being transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. He alleged that police threatened further torture if he spoke about the incident to doctors.
Das has appealed to the SP and Odisha Human Rights Commission for action against the involved officers.
The IIC, however, has denied the allegations. He claimed that Das was briefly detained to manage the situation.
