Odisha Crime Branch Intensifies Probe Into Suicide Of Theft Accused In Mahakalapada

Cuttack/Kendrapara: Odisha Crime Branch has intensified its probe into the much-hyped suicide of the theft accused who had allegedly committed suicide in Mahakalapada area of Kendrapara district. A two-member team has been sent to the native of the deceased person.

Director General of Police (DGP) Rajendra Prasad Sharma had on Thursday night ordered a Crime Branch inquiry to reveal the truth behind the incident.

Following his order, a team of the investigating agency comprising DSP Alok Das and inspector Tapas Pradhan visited Mahakalapada police station last night and held a discussion with the police personnel regarding the matter.

The officials will also go to Belana village, the native place of the deceased, Abinash Paital (25) to speak with his family members.

The DGP had on August 26, suspended the Shyamaghana Behera, the IIC of Mahakalapada police station for dereliction of duty, following the alleged suicide by the accused. He had also directed the Kendrapara police to initiate departmental action against the other staff of the police station. He had also asked DSP, Headquarters, Kartik Mallick to investigate the incident.

Mahakalapada Police had arrested Abinash Paitala alias Musa the night before his suicide on charges of stealing a mobile phone. After interrogation, police put him in the lock-up.

At around 10 pm, the police took Musa to attend nature’s call. He managed to escape and could not be found.

He was later found hanging from the staircase railing of one Haladhar Mallick’s house in the village the next morning.

Following the incident, irate villagers staged a road blockade at Balana Chhak on Jambu-Marshaghai Road. The family members alleged that he took the extreme step due to police excesses.

The blockade was withdrawn after the district administration announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2.10 lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased and promised the job of a Home Guard to one of the family members.