In a firm rebuttal to swirling social media allegations of custodial torture, the Superintendent of Police, Khordha, has categorically denied any police involvement in the death of Tofan Nayak of Banapur.
The police have released key evidence, including CCTV footage from Banapur Police Station, to back their claims.
According to the official statement, Tofan Nayak was not arrested by police but was apprehended by local villagers on suspicion of theft on the evening of June 28. He was found in an inebriated and disoriented state. A PCR team from Banapur Police Station only escorted him to the station for safety.
His parents were immediately informed and reached the police station the same evening. They explicitly told officers that Tofan had been mentally disturbed for the past 20–25 days and had a history of alcohol addiction. Before taking him home, the parents executed a Zimmanama (handover document) declaring that their son was in sound health at the time of release. Photographs taken during the handover further support this.
Tragically, on the morning of June 29, Tofan complained of vomiting blood. His family rushed him to CHC Banapur, where they informed the doctor that no one had assaulted him and that his condition might be due to a fall or alcohol-related complications. He was later shifted to Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, where he succumbed during treatment.
The SP emphasised that preliminary inquiry materials — including the parents’ statements, medical records, Zimmanama, photographs, and CCTV footage — do not support any claims of custodial violence.
Banapur Police Station has registered Case No. 254 on June 29 based on a complaint by Tofan’s wife. Two persons have already been arrested in connection with the case. The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report, and the investigation is ongoing, the police said.
