Death Of UTP In Jharpada Jail In Bhubaneswar Sparks Controversy As Family Alleges Murder

Bhubaneswar: The death of an under-trial prisoner (UTP) inside Special Jail at Jharpada in Bhubaneswar has sparked off a controversy with his family alleging that he was murdered while the jail authorities refuted it.

According to sources, the UTP, identified as Bidyadhar Guru of Behera Sahi under Maitree Vihar police station in the city, was arrested in a NDPS case. A driver by profession, he was lodged in Jharpada Jail since October 5.

Guru fell sick and was rushed to the Capital Hospital in the city as his condition deteriorated fast. Senior Superintendent of the jail informed his family about his illness and told them to come to the hospital. But when the family members rushed to the hospital, they were informed that Guru had died. The police have registered a case of unnatural death and sent the body for post-mortem.

Guru’s family, speaking to the media, alleged that he was tortured and beaten inside the jail. There were injury marks on his scalp. After he died due to the torture, his body was brought to the hospital to suppress the matter, they claimed.

Refuting the allegation, DG of Prisons and Correctional Services Arun Kumar Ray said the jail officials rushed Guru to the hospital as soon as his condition deteriorated. But he was declared dead before reaching the hospital.

The police have registered a case and were inquiring into the matter. If necessary, a magisterial inquiry will be carried out into the incident, he added.