The Hirakud Police Station in Sambalpur district has once again found itself embroiled in controversy following the alleged death of an accused individual in custody.
On Monday, Mohammad Kadir Sheikh (27), a resident of Khistianpada, reportedly died while in police custody, triggering tension in the area. The incident has raised serious questions about police conduct, with the deceased’s family and locals alleging foul play.
According to reports, Kadir was arrested on Sunday night by locals for allegedly stealing from a godown in Jhankarapada, Hirakud, and was handed over to the police. A case was registered on Monday, and he was produced in court. However, Kadir reportedly fell ill at the court premises and was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to Burla, where doctors declared him dead.
The family of the deceased has accused the police of brutality, claiming that Kadir was beaten throughout the day inside the police station after his arrest. They question why they were not informed of his detention and how he fell ill suddenly in court despite being declared healthy earlier at Hirakud Medical. “If he was arrested for theft, why wasn’t the family informed? How did he become so unwell in court?” the family demanded, alleging attempts by the police to cover up their actions with false assurances and inducements.
Kadir leaves behind a two-year-old son, two sisters, and elderly parents, all of whom depended on his earnings for survival. The family is now left grappling with grief and uncertainty about their future.
This is not the first time Hirakud Police Station has faced allegations of misconduct. Previously, a female station officer was accused of detaining a youth on theft charges and beating him with a belt and shoes. Other complaints include demands for money to file cases and intimidation of complainants, painting a troubling picture of the station’s reputation.
In response to the incident, a delegation led by District Congress President Jay Shankar Mishra met Additional SP Amaresh Mishra, demanding action against the guilty officers. The delegation also visited Kadir’s family to express condolences. Additional SP Mishra stated that a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has been assigned to investigate the case. “The preliminary post-mortem report suggests a natural death, with no visible injury marks on the body,” he said, though the family remains unconvinced.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident has reignited debates about custodial violence and accountability in Odisha’s police force, with calls for justice growing louder.
