Bhubaneswar: The Mayurbhanj district police on Sunday ordered a probe into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 40-year-old man who was found hanging outside Kuliana police station on Saturday evening, amid allegations of negligence and harassment against police personnel.
The deceased, identified as Siba Prasad alias Deepak Barik, a resident of Kamata village, was found hanging from a tree located opposite the police station premises.
According to reports, the incident occurred a day after allegations were raised over alleged inaction in a vehicle theft case linked to the deceased.
A case of vehicle theft was registered at Kuliana police station on May 6 after a complaint was lodged regarding a stolen vehicle belonging to a relative of Barik. He was reportedly assisting in matters related to leasing and recovery of the vehicle.
Family members have alleged that Barik had been repeatedly approaching the police seeking updates on the investigation but received no substantial progress. They further alleged that he was threatened with false implication when he insisted on action in the case.
Mayurbhanj Superintendent of Police Varun Guntupalli said an inquiry has been initiated into the incident. “The matter is under investigation. Appropriate action will be taken if the allegations are substantiated,” he said.
