Undertrial prisoner dies in Angul, negligence charge surfaces

An undertrial prisoner lodged in Angul Jail died while undergoing treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Raghunath Sahu (55) of Badahinsa village under Jarapada police limits.

According to reports, Raghunath and his son Manas Ranjan Sahu have been lodged in Angul Jail since April 2023 in connection with a murder case. 

Raghunath, who was suffering from high blood pressure, suddenly fell seriously ill on Monday evening. Jail authorities informed his family that he was being shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital. However, by the time his family reached the hospital, he had already passed away.

The bereaved family has alleged that Raghunath was not being given medicines regularly inside the prison, leading to his untimely death.

“We have pleaded for bail on many occasions, as my father’s health condition was not good. But every time we were denied. My father died due to medical negligence. I want a proper investigation,” said Bidulata Sahoo,the  deceased daughter’s said.

The jail administration officials have not yet issued any official reaction in this regard.