PIL In Orissa HC Seeks ‘Independent Probe’, Compensation In Bargarh Custodial Death

Cuttack: An PIL has been filed in the Orissa High Court in connection with the alleged custodial death of a Dalit youth on September 25 after being picked by Bargarh Town Police the previous night.

Bharatiya Vikas Parishad has filed the petition, seeking an investigation into the case by CBI or a neutral agency. President of the Parishad Surendra Panigrahi informed that they have appealed to the HC to direct the state government to pay Rs 50 lakh compensation to the bereaved family.

He further said that the Centre, state government, DGP Odisha, Bargarh SP and Bargarh police station IIC should be made parties in this case.

Notably, Gobinda Kumbhar, a Dalit youth of Tora village, was picked up by police on the night of September 24 in a scuffle case. However, his health condition deteriorated the following morning and he died while being taken to the district headquarters hospital (DHH).

Also Read: Bargarh Custodial Death: BJP MP Urges Odisha CM To Order Impartial Probe

Following his death, irate villagers ransacked the DHH on September 25 and marched towards the Town police station with the body of the youth. A violent clash ensued when the protestors were stopped by police near the office of the SP. As the situation went out of control, police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the villagers.

Apprehending a law and order situation, Bargarh SP in an order on September 26 relieved two sub-Inspectors Soumyakant Baliarsingh and Mangal Kisko, assistant sub-inspectors Pitambar Behera and Kshiroda Biswal and home guard Gopabandhu Jagdala of their duty.

Also Read: SP Hints At Probe, Compensation For Alleged ‘Custodial Death’ In Odisha’s Bargarh