Berhampur: Berhampur, Odisha: Southern Range Inspector General of Police Niti Shekhar on Thursday rejected claims of intimidation by the family of Sushant Sahu, a 32-year-old polio-affected daily wage labourer who died on May 31, 2026, following alleged custodial torture at Kavisuryanagar police station in Odisha’s Ganjam district.
Speaking to the media, the IG said that the officer of the police outpost at MKCG Medical College and Hospital, where Sahu was declared dead, did not threaten the family; rather was simply questioning them as part of standard protocol in an unnatural death case. “An unnatural death case was initially registered. The outpost officer was questioning the family members solely to advance this preliminary investigation,” the IG explained.
He emphasised that the main case falls under the jurisdiction of Kabisuryanagar police station and is being investigated by the State Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC). “The MKCG outpost has no role in it,” he stressed.
Family’s Allegations
Sahu’s family, including his brother Srikant and wife Mamajini, had initially alleged that police picked him up on May 25 in connection with an alleged attack on a police team during a raid on an illegal stone quarry near Subalaya village. They claim he was illegally detained for nearly a week without being produced before a magistrate and subjected to severe torture, including beatings, pouring of hot water, and application of chilli powder.
Srikant further accused an outpost officer at MKCG Hospital of intimidation through phone calls. “I am being pressurised to change my statement, suggesting that my brother’s condition worsened after being handed ov
er to the family rather than due to custodial injuries,” he said, claiming that the officer had also earlier threatened to implicate him in a false bombing case.
Notably, Srikant had earlier alleged that police forced him and his father to sign a written undertaking stating that Sushant had been taken to Kabisuryanagar police station on the morning of May 31 and released the same evening. He was warned that failing to provide the statement would result in Sushant being sent to court and Srikant being implicated in the same case.
Additionally, the family alleged that a police personnel dragged Srikant into a room to prevent media interaction and an attempt was amde to obstruct medical documentation and influence reports during Sushant’s admission.
Police Assurance on Evidence and Investigation
Meanwhile, Ganjam SP Harish Bisi confirmed that all security camera footage from Kabisuryanagar police station is intact and will be handed over to the HRPC. “All 20 CCTV cameras installed inside and around the police station were fully operational from the day the case was registered, which is May 20, till 8:45 pm on May 31 when he was handed over to the family. The police department will fully cooperate with the HRPC and provide the video evidence as soon as it is requested,” the SP stated, emphasising that the department is not trying to influence anyone or manipulate the inquiry.
The SP clarified that the lone call from the outpost to his brother was made to collect information related to the unnatural death case registered there.
The HRPC team is expected to scrutinise the CCTV footage to verify the detention timeline and related allegations.
Swift Administrative Action Taken
In a proactive step to ensure transparency and restore public trust, the state police immediately initiated disciplinary measures against personnel at Kabisuryanagar police station. IPS probationer Nitesh Mishra, the inspector-in-charge, was withdrawn from duty and shifted to district police headquarters. Three officials—SI Sameer Kumar Rout, ASI Baikuntha Nath Jena, and Constable Suman Kumar Sahu—were suspended. Additionally, all 26 personnel posted at the station and Balichai Outpost, including other sub-inspectors and assistant sub-inspectors, have been transferred to different subdivisions.