Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, July 31:

Artha Tatwa (AT) Group chief Pradip Sethi allegedly attempted to commit suicide late yesterday night in Jharpada Special Jail in Odisha capital.

pradeep sethy capital hospital

According to reports, Sethi slashed his left wrist with a blunt object at four places. Besides, he also banged his head against a wall.

Initially, Sethi was provided first-aid in the hospital on jail premises. Later, a two-member team of doctors from Capital Hospital was roped in to treat him.

The attending doctors said that the injuries were not so deep and necessary treatment has been provided to him.

“Pradip Sethi sustained minor injuries on his wrist and he has been provided treatment. He has been shifted to jail ward. An additional warder has been deployed to keep a watch on Sethi’s activities,” Jharpada Special Jail Superintendent Rabindranath Swain informed.

Sethi's wife had visited the jail this morning to enquire about his health. However, she was not allowed to meet her husband as public meeting is prohibited on holidays.

Sources said that he might be under duress as he is behind bars since over three years for duping investors of crores of rupees. AT Group is one of the major players in the mega chit fund scam in the state.

Sethi was arrested in March 2013 and cooling his heels since then in Jharpada Special Jail here.

Notably, attempting suicide is a cognizable offence under section 309 of IPC.