Balasore: A youth detained under inhumane conditions at Bhogarai police station was released following the intervention of Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi. The incident also led to the suspension of the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of the police station for dereliction of duty.

The youth, Kartika Chandra Bhol of Jayarampur village, was picked up by Bhogarai police yesterday based on a complaint lodged by Jayanta Ratha of Barabatia village, related to a dispute over a motorcycle exchange.

Kartika was detained at the police station today, with both his hands and legs handcuffed, despite no formal case being registered against him even after more than 24 hours of detention. Allegations also surfaced Kartika was physically assaulted by police personnel during custody.

Upon learning about the incident, MP Pratap Sarangi personally visited the Bhogarai police station and conducted a preliminary assessment. He spoke via video call with Balasore SP Raj Prasad, apprising him of the police excesses and the unlawful detention.

Following the MP’s intervention, Balasore SP Raj Prasad ordered that Kartika be immediately sent to Jaleswarpur Community health Centre (CHC). As his condition worsened, Kartika was shifted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, Kartika’s wife lodged a formal complaint against Bhogarai IIC Sriballav Sahu, accusing him of unlawful detention and mistreatment of her husband.

In his defense, IIC Sahu claimed due to staff shortages, detainees had to be handcuffed. He also admitted the four detention rooms (hajats) at the station were unclean and unusable.

Taking serious note of the incident, the Balasore SP suspended Sriballav Sahu with immediate effect for gross misconduct and dereliction of duty. During the suspension period, Sahu will remain under the disciplinary control of the DIG of Police, Eastern Range, Balasore, police sources said.