Balasore: Tension ran high at Golei Chhak in Remuna Town of Balasore district on Friday night after locals staged demonstration following death of a person, who was earlier picked by police on charges of being involved in illicit liquor trade.
As per reports, Industrial Police had detained one Ratikant Das, a hotel owner, on August 7. Das was subsequently rushed to a government hospital after he complained of illness and was later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after his condition deteriorated.
However, Das died while undergoing treatment at the hospital yesterday.
"Police officials took my son on Wednesday. He was rushed to Remuna Hospital the next day after he complained of vomiting. Though he was discharged from the hospital, there was no improvement in his condition. My younger son had also gone to see him. We do not know what happened inside the police station that led to the injury on his head," alleged Das' mother Ramamani Das.
"Later, they took my son to Balasore District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) and withdrew the case. We want justice and compensation for his wife," she added.
Holding the police officials responsible for Das' death, residents of Remuna blocked road at Golei Chhak by burning tyres. Though two platoons of forces were deployed to maintain law and order, situation became worse after locals refused to call of their agitation. Later, senior police officials rushed to spot and pacified the mob.
"He (Das) was injured as he fell down following seizures. He died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Some miscreants had burnt tyres on the road to create nuisance. Later, we dispersed the mob and restored vehicular traffic on the road. The situation is under control," said Balasore Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Prabhas Chandra Pal.