Odisha: New Puri SP Takes Charge; Know What He Has To Say About Death In Custody

Puri: Kanwar Vishal Singh took charge as Puri SP in presence of senior police officers on Sunday.

The IPS officer was shifted from Sambalpur to Puri on November 20 to replace Akhileshwar Singh amid allegations of the custodial death of a 33-year-old man in the Pilgrim Town.

“Police will ensure that people visiting the town and those residing here feel safe. Steps will be taken to control criminal activities for public safety,” he said.

The SP further said that strict action will be taken against anti-social.

On custodial death, he said the probe is being carried out in accordance with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines and the truth will soon be unravelled.

The DIG (Central range) will investigate the allegations on third-degree at Pipili police station, he added.

Notably, K Ramesh of Lokanath Road area of Puri town was allegedly picked up from his home on Wednesday (November 19) night but died a few hours later after reportedly getting injured in a scuffle with the police.

The then SP Akhileshwar Singh had said that Ramesh was arrested by Baselisahi police for interrogation as he plotting a crime in Mangalaghat area. He died while undergoing treatment for his injuries at district headquarters hospital.

Ramesh’s kin, however, alleged that he died of police torture.

Trouble mounted for the government as Orissa High Court and National Human Rights on November 20 sought a detailed report pertaining to the case.

The same day, the Puri SP was transferred and attached to police headquarters in Cuttack. The DGP also suspended a sub-inspector and two constables of the police station in Puri town where the 33-year-old man was taken after being arrested.