Khordha Police refuted social‑media allegations of custodial violence by Banapur Police in the death of Tofan Nayak, saying available evidence does not support the claim.
Officials said the inquiry examined the Zimmanama signed by Nayak’s parents, their statement before doctors at CHC Banapur, photographs taken during the handover, and CCTV footage from Banapur Police Station.
On June 28, villagers detained Nayak on suspicion of theft. A PCR team brought him to the station after finding him intoxicated and disoriented. His parents arrived later, declined to file any complaint, and confirmed he had been mentally disturbed for nearly a month. They took him home in good health.
The next morning, Nayak vomited blood. His family rushed him to CHC Banapur and later to Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, where he died during treatment. Doctors recorded that his parents denied any assault and attributed injuries to a possible fall while drunk.
Police registered Banapur PS Case No. 254 dated 29.06.2026 based on a complaint from his wife. Two persons have been apprehended, and the investigation is underway. The post‑mortem report will determine the exact cause of death, officials said.
