Rourkela: The death of an under-trial prisoner (UTP) under mysterious circumstances triggered an uproar here on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old Rajesh Kujur (42), a resident of Dalki village under Raiboga police limits in Sundargarh district, suffered head injuries after falling inside Rourkela Special Jail.
Admitted to the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) for treatment, he passed away in the wee hours of April 16, according to sources.
Amrita Kujur, the victim’s wife, alleged that her husband was murdered in judicial custody.
Kujur was arrested in an excise case for illegal sale of country liquor.
According to his wife, Rajesh was taken into custody after being picked up from their residence around 5.30 am on Tuesday.
Jail and excise authorities called her around 10 pm to inform that her husband had been admitted to RGH after suffering head injuries due to a fall.
She couldn’t travel at night, and hence reached the hospital on Wednesday morning, only to find that Rajesh had died.
“In the morgue, I saw his shirt was soaked in blood with his head fully covered in bandage,” The New Indian Express quoted Amrita as saying.
Claiming that her husband was healthy when arrested, Amrita alleged Rajesh, the only bread-winner of the six-member family, was murdered in custody.
Tribal activist Reshma Ekka alleged that Rajesh was tortured in custody, leading to his death.
She demanded action against those responsible for the alleged murder and compensation for the bereaved family, and also warned of an agitation.
Mohan Pradhan, Excise inspector at Rourkela, said Rajesh Kujur was a habitual offender vis-à-vis sale of illegal liquor, and was arrested after 18 litres of country liquor were recovered from his possession.
According to Pradhan, Kujur may have suffered a fall inside the jail due to a seizure, causing fatal head injuries.
Rajendra Swain, inspector-in-charge (IIC) of RN Pali police station, said jail authorities intimated police in writing that Kujur had suffered head injuries due to a fall and was admitted to RGH on April 15.
The autopsy report is awaited, which would reveal the exact reason for death.
Swain said a detailed investigation would be conducted to ascertain the under-trial’s death.
