Odisha man detained in liquor case ‘dies in custody’; family alleges police excess

A serious allegation surfaced on Sunday following the death of a man 'while in police custody’ at Banpur in Odisha’s Khordha district. The deceased, identified as Chhabindra Nayak from Dasarathipur, was allegedly picked up last night by local police for questioning in connection with an illegal liquor trade case.

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According to sources, Chhabindra’s health suddenly deteriorated while he was in custody. The police then rushed him to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar earlier in the day. However, instead of calling an ambulance, he was allegedly transported in a police van.

By the time Chhabindra reached Capital Hospital, doctors at the health facility declared him ‘dead’. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised suspicion, with questions being asked about why an ambulance was not arranged and what exactly transpired during his time in police custody.

The fatal incident has sparked concerns over possible custodial misconduct, with demands growing for clarity on the sequence of events that occurred after his detention. Locals and human rights activists are questioning whether Banpur police are withholding crucial information related to the incident.

Police are yet to issue a formal and detailed statement, clarifying the accusations, while the case has intensified debate over custodial safety and police accountability in the State.

“Police team forcibly brought my husband (to the station) and did this to him, when I was not present at home and gone to Nayagarh to a relative’s house along with my small children. He (Chhabindra) was doing trade to eke out a living and raise the family,” deceased’s wife, Mita Nayak, said to mediapersons.

“Earlier, he (Chhabindra) had health complications but got completely cured. All of a sudden, he was brought to the health facility (Capital Hospital), and I suspect that the Banpur police have done something and killed him,” the woman accused.

No comments could be obtained from the local police in this regard.

Reported By: Shakti Prasad Mohapatra