Nabarangpur district police suspended three officers after the custodial death of accused Purna Kalar at Dabugaon police station.
On Tuesday night, Sub-Inspector Bikram Sahu and constables Karna Pujari and Buduram Majhi faced suspension for negligence during duty. Superintendent of Police Madkar Sandeep Sampat confirmed the action, citing departmental accountability.
The incident triggered strong protests on Wednesday as family members and villagers surrounded Dabugaon police station, demanding justice. They alleged lapses in monitoring the accused, who was found dead inside the lock-up. The tense situation forced senior officers to intervene and assure strict measures.
Police sources stated that the suspension aimed to ensure transparency and restore public trust. The SP emphasised that further inquiry would determine additional responsibility. Meanwhile, villagers continued to demand a judicial probe, highlighting concerns over custodial safety.
The custodial death case has drawn attention across Nabarangpur, raising questions about police conduct and human rights safeguards. Authorities pledged corrective steps to prevent recurrence.
