Man detained for wood theft dies in Odisha’s Khordha

Khordha: A man who was detained by Forest officials for his alleged involvement in wood theft died while undergoing treatment at Banapur Hospital in Odisha’s Khordha district.

The deceased has been identified as Balabhadra Behera of Sarankul area in Nayagarh district. His family members staged a dharna on the hospital premises today alleging that the Forest officials thrashed him to death and also demanded compensation.

The Forest officials had on October 12 evening detained Behera for stealing wood from Dhuannali forest while they were patrolling in the area. He was then taken to the Forest Beat House and later to Banapur Hospital as he complained of illness.

However, he breathed his last while undergoing treatment.