Brajarajnagar witnessed a shocking incident that raised serious questions about police conduct. Locals alleged that Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers abandoned a youth near Anda Chhak in scorching 44°C heat, leading to his death.
The deceased, identified as Harek Bahadur (35) from Bandhmunda in Rourkela, worked as a caterer in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. He was returning home on April 21 by the Tata–Itwari train with his colleague Anil Mukhi. Witnesses said the two men got off at Brajarajnagar station around 7:30 p.m. and later argued before separating.
Anil searched for Harek but failed to locate him. The next morning, locals found Harek’s body near the boundary wall of the Orient Paper Mill close to Anda Chhak and informed Brajarajnagar police.
Shopkeepers near the spot claimed that four RPF officers brought Harek on a stretcher around noon on Wednesday and left him by the roadside. They said the man was alive but appeared intoxicated and dehydrated. He reportedly died after being left exposed to the extreme heat.
Police have begun investigating the incident, which has taken a disturbing turn following eyewitness accounts. Locals demanded strict action against the officers involved, calling the act a violation of basic human compassion.
Authorities are awaiting the post-mortem report to confirm the cause of death. The case has sparked outrage across Brajarajnagar, highlighting the need for accountability and humane treatment by law enforcement.
