Cuttack: The Odisha government on Monday told the Orissa High Court that the death of K Ramesh in Puri on November 19 last year had not occurred in the police custody.
Through an affidavit, the State government told the HC that K Ramesh, a native of Baseli Sahi area in the pilgrim town, had died after sustaining injuries during a scuffle. The government also submitted the post-mortem report of Ramesh in the court.
The court has directed the government to file status report of investigation while posting the matter to January 22 for next hearing.
K Ramesh, a resident of Baseli Sahi area in Puri had allegedly been tortured to death by police in November last year. The incident had triggered a massive tension in the town.
Police had earlier clarified that Ramesh had sustained injuries during a scuffle with police when the latter had gone to nab him. Later, he was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The inspector-in-charge (IIC) of Baseli Sahi police station Jibanananda Jena had earlier been transferred to the State police headquarters in this connection.
Prior to his transfer, SP Akhileswar Singh was also shifted to police headquarters while three lower-ranked personnel of Baseli Sahi police station were placed under suspension.