Bhubaneswar: A 28-year-old man from Jajpur district allegedly attempted suicide by consuming poison following third-degree custodial torture by police at Mahipur village under Balichandrapur police station limits.
The victim, identified as Rabindra Mallik of Mahipur village under Anaka panchayat, is currently undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. His condition remains critical.
According to reports, Mallik was picked up by police for questioning in connection with a family dispute. He was reportedly detained following a complaint filed by his cousin Badal, after a heated altercation involving Rabindra, his physically disabled father Maheshwar and a neighbour Namita Mallik. Badal had allegedly attacked the trio with a sword, prompting Rabindra to retaliate by throwing hot rice gruel at him. Both parties subsequently lodged complaints at the local police station.
Rabindra, during his time in custody, was allegedly beaten mercilessly and forced to strip naked by the police. He further claimed that his family was not allowed to meet him and were not informed about his hospitalisation. According to the family, they came to know about his critical condition only three days later.
In a shocking claim, Rabindra alleged that he consumed poison found in the lock-up room, which was reportedly placed there by a police official. He added that despite witnessing him ingest the poison, none of the officers intervened to stop him.
However, Balichandrapur Police have strongly denied allegations of assault involving Rabindra.
“Rabindra’s health is stable and he will be discharged soon from the medical facility. The claims of assault are unfounded. We have CCTV footage and once we receive the official medical report, we will provide a detailed clarification. I have personally spoken to Rabindra and he is in good condition. I want to make it clear that there was no assault on him. We will issue a full statement after receiving the medical report,” said Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) Samarjit Nayak while addressing reporters.
