OHRC seeks report from SP over Baripada custodial death

Ayaskant Das Published On : Dec 5, 2015 at 7:30 PM Updated On : Dec 5, 2015 at 7:34 PM

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Dec 5:

Odisha Human Rights Commission today sought a report from Mayurbhanj Superintendent of Police over the alleged custodial death of a theft accused who was found hanging from the toilet of the Baripada Town police station on December 1.

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Acting on a petition filed by Prabir Kumar Das, Acting Chairperson of Odisha Human Rights Commission Justice Bira Kishore directed the Mayurbhanj SP to submit a report within four weeks on the alleged custodial death of Chandan Kumar Das at Baripada Town police station on December 1.

According to the petitioner one Chandan Kumar Das, resident of Tulasi Choura area of Baripada, was arrested by the police on November 30 in connection with a theft case. He was supposed to be produced in the SDJM court on the following day. However, his body was found hanging with a bed-sheet tied around his neck inside the toilet of the police station in the morning at about 10.30 am the next day.

The family members had alleged that Chandan died of police excess.

Describing the death of an accused in custody as violation of the fundamental right to life guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution, Advocate Das prayed for the Commission’s intervention for ensuring a free, fair and independent investigation into the alleged custodial death. Besides, the petitioner urged the Commission to direct the state government to pay a compensation of Rs.10 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased.

The Commission has posted the next date of hearing to January 27.