Mahakalapada: Director General of Police (DGP) RP Sharma today ordered a Crime Branch probe into the death of an accused in custody at Mahakalpada Police Station in Kendrapara.
A DSP rank officer of the Crime Branch has been assigned the responsibility to investigate the matter, said police sources.
As per latest reports, a two-member team has reached Mahakalpada Police station to begin probe into the matter.
It is pertinent to mention that a mobile theft accused, identified as 25-year-old Abinash Paital, son of Sarat Chandra Paital of village Balana in Kendrapara district, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on the premises of the Mahakalapada police station on August 26, a day after his arrest.
Police stated Abinash committed suicide after telling them that he was going to relieve himself.
However, family members of Abinash alleged that the youth died after police pushed a police baton into his anus. They also stated Abinash was beaten mercilessly.
“My son was beaten with pipes. Besides, a police baton was inserted into his anus and nails were pierced into his feet. Those, who have killed my son without any pity, should be punished strictly,” said Sharat Chandra, father of deceased.
After family members of Abinash and locals protested, fearing law and order situation in the area, the DGP had suspended Mahakalapada Inspector In-Charge (IIC), Shyamaghana Behera earlier. Apart from this, the police had tried to pacify the resentment by assuring to provide Rs 2.10 lakh financial assistance and a Home Guard job to one member of Abinash’s family.
Sources said the hastiness with which police tried to hush-up the matter has raised concerns about the style of functioning of cops.
“When someone is in police custody, how can he or she commit suicide? Was not a sentry accompanying the accused? Why the Supreme Court is passing judgement repeatedly as the directives are not being implemented properly in reality,” said Sanjeev Marik, former DGP.
In another incident, a murder accused tried to commit suicide by slitting his throat inside the Tangi police station in Cuttack today. He was admitted to the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack in critical condition.
The accused, identified as Balaram Naik of Uparasahi under Tangi police limits, had allegedly stoned his wife to death on August 27.
Police had brought Naik to the police station for questioning.
Now question arises why Naik had not been forwarded to court and from where he got a sharp weapon to slit his throat.
Cuttack Rural DSP SN Das said the incident happened while Naik was being taken into custody. After thorough inquiry the details will be known, he added.