A 28-year-old youth from Mahipur village in Anaka panchayat attempted suicide inside Balichandrapur police station, allegedly following third-degree custodial torture.
The victim, Rabindra Mallik, was detained for interrogation over a family dispute and later consumed poison reportedly kept inside the lockup.
Rabindra, now in critical condition at SCB Medical College and Hospital, alleged that he was stripped and beaten by police personnel. His family claims they were not informed about his hospitalisation until three days later.
The altercation began on August 3 when Rabindra’s cousin, Badal, allegedly attacked his disabled father and a neighbour. Rabindra retaliated with hot rice gruel, leading to cross-complaints. Acting on Badal’s FIR, police detained Rabindra, where the alleged torture occurred.
Rabindra further claimed that despite witnessing him consume poison, officers did not intervene. Balichandrapur IIC Samarjit Nayak has denied all allegations, calling them baseless.
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny over custodial practices in Odisha, especially following similar allegations in Jagatsinghpur district.
