Custodial death in Bhubaneswar! Man picked up by Badagada police in theft case dies

Bhubaneswar: In an incident of alleged custodial death in Odisha capital, a man who was picked up by the Badagada police in a theft case died last night.

The deceased was identified as Debendra Choudhury. He was residing with his wife, 3 daughters and a son in a rented house at Sundarpada here and running a vegetable shop in the locality.

According to reports, Debendra was returning home from his in-laws’ house at Rasulgarh here last night when Badagada police picked him up and took him to the police station over allegation of stealing a bicycle.

As per police, Debendra was shifted to the Capital Hospital here as he complained of illness. He breathed his last while undergoing treatment at the healthcare facility.

However, Debendra’s wife alleged that he was thrashed to death at the police station by the cops.

“My husband was fine. He had no health issues. He was picked up by cops and beaten at the police station, which led to his death. He has no involvement in any theft case,” said Debendra’s wife and demanded a probe into the matter.

“The cops came to my house at around 1.30 am and asked me to reach the police outpost. As I reached there, they informed me about the death of my husband,” she said.

On the other hand, police refuted the allegation. As per police, he ran and fell down while trying to evade arrest when cops caught him near Brahmeswarpatna. After being brought to the police station, he complained of illness and was taken to the Capital Hospital, where he died during treatment, said police.

On the other hand, high drama unfolded at the hospital as another woman claimed herself as his wife.

Besides, confusion emerged over the man’s real identity as his name as per police record is Pradip Sahu.