Bhubaneswar: A delegation of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday approached the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC), seeking its intervention in the alleged custodial torture and death of a man in Ganjam district’s Kabisuryanagar area.
The delegation, led by senior BJD leader and former MLA Bhrugu Baxipatra, submitted a memorandum to the Commission, demanding a comprehensive inquiry into the incident and action against those found responsible.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Baxipatra alleged that the victim, Susant Sahu, died as a result of police torture despite there being no FIR registered against him. He questioned the circumstances under which Sahu was taken into custody and allegedly detained for several days.
According to the BJD leader, the incident amounted to a violation of legal procedures and Supreme Court guidelines governing custodial detention and the treatment of detainees.
The delegation also highlighted the socio-economic condition of the deceased’s family, stating that Sahu was a physically challenged person receiving disability benefits from the state government and was the sole breadwinner for his wife and four children.
Seeking relief measures for the family, the party urged the Commission to recommend adequate compensation, educational support for the children, livelihood assistance and employment opportunities for Sahu’s widow.
Baxipatra further alleged that no criminal case had been registered against the police personnel allegedly involved in the incident and demanded that an FIR be lodged as part of the investigation process.
He said the Commission heard the delegation’s submissions and assured that appropriate steps would be taken within its jurisdiction to address the matter.
According to allegations made by the victim’s family, Sahu, a resident of Subalaya village in Ganjam district, was taken to Kabisuryanagar police station on May 25 during a raid linked to an illegal stone blasting case. While two persons had earlier been arrested in connection with the case, the family claims that Sahu’s involvement was never established.
The family has alleged that he was subjected to custodial torture during a seven-day period of detention. On Sunday, he was reportedly returned to his family in a critical condition. After receiving initial treatment at a hospital in Aska, he was shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where he was declared dead on Monday.
The incident has sparked widespread public outrage. In the aftermath, three police personnel were suspended, while an under-training IPS officer who was holding independent charge of Kabisuryanagar police station was withdrawn from the post pending further inquiry.
