Sundergarh: A day after Sundergarh Police rescued a minor girl, who was allegedly sold off in Madhya Pradesh, and arrested three persons in this connection, one of the key accused died at Dharuadihi Police Station today. The deceased has been identified as Sunil Lodhi.
The cops had arrested three persons - middleman Jugal Oram, his associate Savita Dubey and Sunil Lodhi yesterday. On the pretext of giving a job at an incense stick factory in Madhya Pradesh, Jugal Oram took the minor girl with him after convincing her mother. Later, he allegedly sold the girl to Sunil Lodhi who then forcibly married her.
Basing on the complaint filed by the girl’s mother, a special team was formed on the direction of Sundergarh SP.
Following the arrests, Lodhi was lodged at Dharuadihi Police Station after the medical check-up yesterday. However, he was found dead in the wee hours today. As the body carries ligature mark on neck, Lodhi’s death has now come under scanner as the incident occurred in police custody.
It is suspected that Lodhi might have committed suicide inside the lock up. However, the exact cause of death can only be ascertained after post mortem.
Meanwhile, senior police officials could not be contacted on the incident.