A life-term convict, Bishnu Prasad Swain, was found hanging from a tree inside Choudwar Jail premises on Saturday, triggering serious concerns over security lapses and possible foul play within the prison.
Swain, a resident of Samantarapur village under Tangia Jaripada, was convicted in a murder case and had recently returned from a 10-day parole on May 11, granted for his mother’s post-death rituals.
According to jail authorities, his body was discovered inside the jail campus and he was rushed to Cuttack SCB Medical College & Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
Mental Health & Domestic Stress Under Scrutiny
Sources suggest that Swain may have been under mental distress, particularly after a reported verbal altercation with his estranged wife during his parole visit. The two reportedly clashed over family matters, possibly involving their daughter.
The incident has raised serious questions about surveillance and inmate monitoring at Choudwar Jail. With multiple such incidents reported in Odisha’s prisons in recent years, calls are growing for a review of correctional facility protocols and inmate mental health support systems.
Authorities have not ruled out foul play, and an investigation is currently underway.
