Paalakhemundi: An under-trial prisoner (UTP) died in Paralakhemundi Sub-Jail in Odisha’s Gajapati district, with his family alleging negligence by prison authorities.
The deceased has been identified as Runa Bada Rait of Jirang village under the jurisdiction of Raigarh police station.
According to sources, Raigarh police had arrested Runa on August 7 in a POCSO case and produced him in court. He was lodged in Paralakhemundi Sub-Jail in judicial custody.
Family members said they had visited the jail premises on September 1 to meet him and his health condition was good at that time.
However, police informed that he died suddenly in the wee hours. While the exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained, family members have blamed negligence of jail authorities for his death.
Alleging that negligence on the part of the jail authorities may have led to his death, his family has sought answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, tension has reportedly gripped the area, with villagers refusing to accept the deceased’s body. They have demanded compensation and rehabilitation before taking the body.