Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Right Commission (OHRC) on Wednesday took suo motu cognizance of the alleged custodial suicide of a young man at Golanthara Police Station in Ganjam district.
Following media reports regarding the suicide of Ganesh Dakua of Rangipur village inside the Golanthara Police Station, the OHRC has asked the Southern Range DIG to submit a factual report within four weeks.
The Commission has also asked to submit CCTV footage of a period of four hours prior to the deceased’s removal to the hospital. The next hearing of the case has been put up on June 8.
As per media reports, Ganesh was brought to Golanthara Police Station on the allegation of assaulting and abusing the labourers working in the ash brick factory of one Ajit Das of Rangeilunda, who is reported to be the Vice-Chairman of Rangeilunda Block.
Further, due to Covid-19 restrictions, Ganesh was kept in the Reception Desk of the Police Station and was interrogated there. At about 8 PM when constable DP Jena had gone outside, Ganesh, taking advantage of the absence of any police, committed suicide by tying his belt with a window railing of the room.
The Sentry on duty noticed the same and then Ganesh was shifted to MKCG Medical College & Hospital, Berhampur where he was declared dead.
The OHRC observed, “Since this is a case of custodial death which raises issues of violation of human rights and negligence on the part of the Police, the Commission takes cognizance of the matter suo motu.”
It is worthwhile to mention that Ganesh had allegedly committed suicide on Monday (April 3) evening. Following it, a Sub-Inspector and a Sentry were placed under suspension and the IIC was transferred.