Malkangiri: Mild tension erupted at District Headquarters Hospital here on Sunday evening after an under trial prisoner (UTP) lodged in Malkangiri sub-jail died under mysterious circumstances during treatment.
The deceased has been identified as Danu Golori, a resident of Khajuriguda of Swabhiman Anchal in the district.
He was found in a critical condition with his throat slit on Sunday afternoon. Jail authorities shifted him to the district headquarters hospital immediately. However, he died while undergoing treatment.
Family members of the deceased have alleged foul play behind Danu’s mysterious death. They said that Danu was murdered with a sharp weapon inside the jail. The relatives of the UTP further alleged that the jail officials didn't inform them about the matter.
"He had been lodged in jail since Dusshera. We were never allowed to meet him at the jail. The prison authorities have not informed us about his death. We suspect it a case of murder", one of the relatives of the deceased said.
Another member of his family said "we were told that Danu committed suicide by slitting his throat inside the jail. But, why they didn't inform us regarding the incident. We demand a proper investigation into the incident."
Golori had been lodged in the jail two months ago after being arrested for his alleged involvement in Maoist violence.
Jail officials are yet to comment on the matter.
Notably, an under-trial prisoner had died due to illness at Parlakhemndi sub-jail in Gajapati district last month.