Mob Torches Police Van After Youth’s Death In Bhadrak

Bhadrak: Angry over alleged suicide of a youth, residents of a village in Bhadrak district set a police van on fire on Wednesday.

The death of the youth, identified as Bapi Mahalik of Hatuari village under Tihidi police limits triggered massive unrest at the village. His body was recovered from a nearby pond.

According to sources, the youth was interrogated by police in connection with a case recently. The family of the youth alleged he was assaulted by police during the questioning.

Upset over the alleged assault, the youth had jumped into the village pond, they added.

“When I reached home, I saw the policemen beat up my son. Suddenly he jumped into the river. The policemen searched for him for sometime and later left the spot,” said father of the deceased.

After the body of the youth was recovered from the village pond today, irate residents blocked Bhadrak-Chandbali highway near Allinagar by keeping the body of the deceased on the road.

Vehicular movement came to a standstill due to the roadblock. When police reached the protest site to clear the blockade, the protesters set the police van on fire.

Chandbali SDPO, Umashankar Maharana said, “I just arrived at the spot and will reveal details after inquiring into the matter.”