Undertrial prisoner dies under treatment in Odisha; locals stage protest

Kandhamal: Tension erupted in Gochhapada area of Kandhamal district today following death of an undertrial prisoner under treatment.

The deceased prisoner has been identified as Mrutyunjay Kanhar, a resident of under Gochhapada police limits. He was lodged at Phulbani district jail.

According to reports, the undertrial prisoner was undergoing treatment at the MKCG Hospital in Berhampur since March 16. He breathed his last on Sunday.

Source said that initially he was admitted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Phulbani after his health condition deteriorated at the jail. Later, he was shifted to the MKCG Hospital in Berhampur for treatment.

Following his death, the body was handed over to his family. His family brought the body from Berhampur to his native today. Expressing outrage over death, the villagers placed the body outside Gochhapada Police Station. Alleging medical negligence by jail authorities, the protestors staged road blockade by burning tyres and demanded compensation for family members of the deceased.