A prisoner serving a life sentence at the Landibandh jail near Harabhanga in Boudh district died on Tuesday afternoon after collapsing inside the premises.
The deceased was identified as Santosh Mallik, 37, a resident of Talapank village under Boudh police limits.
Mallik had been serving his sentence since 2009 after being convicted in a murder case. Jail authorities said he fell unconscious while returning to his ward with food from the kitchen. Officials immediately shifted him to the jail health centre for treatment.
Doctors at the centre provided first aid and referred him to the Boudh District Headquarters Hospital as his condition worsened. Medical staff declared him dead upon arrival.
Jail superintendent Jagat Bihari Rautaray confirmed that Mallik had been serving a life term for murder and suddenly fell ill. He said the authorities followed all procedures and informed the police.
Boudh police reached the hospital and began an investigation into the incident. After the post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the family members.
Officials said preliminary findings suggest natural causes, but the exact reason will be confirmed after the autopsy report.
