Sharmili Mallick

Sundergarh: In an alleged custodial death, a youth, who was arrested by the Rajgangpur police two days back on charges of duping money, was found hanging in the bathroom of the police station on Wednesday night.

As per reports, the youth, identified as Jai Lakra of Raika Kachhar village under Kutunia panchayat in the district was working as an agent in a bank.

Some people had filed complaints at the Rajgangpur police station accusing Lakra of collecting money from them on the pretext of making deposits in the bank. However, the youth did not deposit the money, they alleged.

Five platoons of police forces have been deployed around the police station to avoid any untoward incident.

Meanwhile, DIG (western range) Kavita Jalan informed that probe into the incident has begun in accordance with the guidelines of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

“The investigation into the death of the youth inside the police station has begun as per the guidelines of NHRC,” stated Jalan.

Besides, she said police forces have been deployed and patrolling is underway in the area.

Sources said the body of Lakra has been sent to Rajgangpur hospital for post-mortem which will be conducted under the presence of Magistrate.

On the other hand, family members of Lakra alleged that he was beaten to death in the police custody.

“Even though he has been arrested since December 1, we were not informed about it. Police cannot detain an accused for more than 24 hours without court forwarding him. However, he was kept in police custody since the last five days. I want action against those involved in the murder of my son,” said Lakra’s father Buddharam Lakra.

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