HRPC begins probe into Sambalpur custodial death

Sambalpur: A day after locals ransacked the Ainthapali police station protesting the alleged custodial death of a youth, a three-member team of the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) began probe into the incident today.

The HRPC team led by a SP rank officer visited the Ainthapali police station for an on-the-spot assessment. Sources said the team investigated under what circumstances the youth, identified as Abinash Munda of Bhalupali village, died in the  police custody and what triggered the violent protests.

Besides, the HRPC officials met IG (Northern Range) Sushant Kumar Nath to get all the required information on the incident.

DGP RP Sharma had yesterday ordered for an investigation by the HRPC. He had also placed the IIC of the Ainthapali police station, Srimanta Barik, the Diary Charge Officer (DCO) and the Sentry under suspension.

Apart from this, the Northern Range IG was asked to conduct an independent inquiry and submit a report as soon as possible.

Sambalpur SP has also been asked to submit a joint report with the District Magistrate as per the mandatory requirement.

Meanwhile, the Paschima Odisha Adivasi Dalit Sena lambasted the State government over the Ainthapali custodial death and demanded an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh to the family of the deceased.

Prashant Kumar Hao, president of the forum said, "Probe should be conducted into the custodial death and the persons responsible should be punished."

Yesterday, locals went berserk after Munda, who was arrested in connection with a theft case, was found hanging in the lockup on Thursday. The agitators ransacked the Ainthapali police station and torched documents, furniture and vehicles parked on the premises.