**Bhubaneswar:** In the aftermath of the Ainthapalli Police Station custodial death followed by mob violence and slapping of suspension against the IIC, DCO and Sentry, a delegation of the Odisha Police Association (OPA) on Saturday met the DGP with their grievances and pleading in favour of their suspended colleagues.
Soon after meeting the DGP here at his camp office, OPA president Satyajit Mishra said, “The Ainthapalli incident has been extremely saddening and unfortunate. It is a big blot on the otherwise peaceful law and order conditions of the city. We deeply condemn the incident and humbly request the residents of Sambalpur to co-operate with the administration in maintaining law and order in the town. This would not only ensure peace, but would also immensely help in bringing the truth to light.”
The mob fury at Ainthapalli was triggered by the custodial death of a 22- year-old tribal youth named Abhinash Munda of Bhalupalli village who was arrested on theft charges. However, he was later found hanging inside the lock up on Thursday night.
Although Police claimed that Munda had committed suicide, the residents of Bhulapali alleged that he was brutally beaten by the police which led to his death. The police there tried to pacify them, but it proved proved all in vain. The angry mob instead ransacked the police station, burned down the official documents, furniture and also the seized vehicle before setting ablaze the building premises.
They also pelted stones at the police personnel deployed there. Over 30 persons, including 10 policemen sustained injuries and got hospitalised. Even the IIC of Ainthapali Police Station was severely manhandled by the irate public.
