Phulbani: An undertrial prisoner died at the district jail in Kandhamal district on Wednesday, with the incident triggering allegations of custodial assault by the deceased’s family, even as police have denied the claims.
The deceased has been identified as Heran Behera, a resident of Penjisahi under Phulbani Town Police Station limits.
Family members alleged that Behera was picked up from his house on Tuesday by Phulbani Town Police, brutally assaulted, and later produced in court before being remanded to judicial custody. They claimed that his death on Wednesday was a result of the alleged police beating.
The family has submitted a written complaint to the Kandhamal Superintendent of Police, seeking a thorough probe and justice.
Rejecting the allegations, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Phulbani, said that preliminary findings suggest the deceased was a drug addict and had been arrested in connection with a robbery case. He was produced in court in the presence of his family members before being sent to jail, the officer added.
According to the SDPO, Behera fell ill inside the jail on Wednesday and was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Phulbani, where he died while undergoing treatment.
Police further stated that, in accordance with the Jail Manual, a detailed inquiry into the death will be conducted. A post-mortem examination will be carried out, and the body will be handed over to the family after completion of all legal formalities.
Further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is underway.
