A 28-year-old man, Rabindra Mallik, from Mahipur village in Anaka panchayat, attempted suicide inside Balichandrapur police station, allegedly after enduring third-degree custodial torture.
The incident, which unfolded on August 3, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny over police conduct in Odisha. The altercation began with a family dispute. Rabindra’s cousin, Badal, allegedly attacked Rabindra’s disabled father, Maheshwar Mallik, and a neighbour, Namita Mallik, with a sword. In self-defence, Rabindra threw hot rice gruel at Badal, leading to cross-complaints.
Acting on Badal’s FIR, police detained Rabindra for questioning. According to Rabindra, he was stripped, beaten, and burned with a hot iron rod to extract confessions. He further alleges that a bottle of poison was left near him, which he consumed in distress, leading to his suicide attempt. Rabindra was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where he remains in critical condition. His family claims they were not informed of his hospitalisation until August 5, three days after the incident.
Following an investigation by Jajpur SDPO Lakshmidhar Swain, the Jajpur SP suspended three police personnel—an SI, an ASI, and a constable—on August 6, 2025, for their alleged involvement. However, Balichandrapur’s Inspector-in-Charge, Samarjit Nayak, denied the allegations, claiming Rabindra fell ill suddenly and was promptly hospitalised.
Reports indicate Rabindra was released to his home in Mahipur on the evening of August 6, despite earlier reports of his critical condition.
