Mathili/Malkangiri:  In a shocking incident, a woman detained on ganga smuggling charge, died in the excise department's custody in Mathili block of Odisha's Malkangiri district here today. The deceased was identified as Priti of MV 66 village in Kalimela block of the district. As per reports, she had been apprehended from Kamalapadar on Friday by excise officials for allegedly peddling the contraband to Uttar Pradesh and then detained at the department office in Mathili.

However, the accused died under mysterious circumstances while sleeping in excise custody . While the exact reason behind her death is yet to be ascertained, police have formed a special team to probe the matter. Further investigation is underway, official sources informed.