Entire Odisha thana staff shunted after custodial death of polio-hit man

BERHAMPUR: An entire police station in Odisha, including its IPS probationer inspector-in-charge, faced disciplinary action after a 32-year-old polio-affected daily wage worker died Monday while undergoing treatment at a government hospital following alleged torture in custody, triggering protests and scrutiny of police conduct in the state.

Sushant Sahu died at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur. His death marked the third alleged case of police brutality reported in the state within the past fortnight. Odisha DGP YB Khurania ordered an inquiry by the human rights protection cell.

Southern range inspector general of police (IGP) Niti Sekhar withdrew independent charge held by IPS probationer Nitesh Kumar Mishra as inspector-in-charge of Kabisurya Nagar PS and transferred him to district headquarters.

The IGP suspended SI Sameer Kumar Rout, assistant SI Baikutha Jena and constable Suman Kumar Sahu. A home guard driver was also ordered disengaged following a preliminary inquiry.

To ensure an impartial probe, Sekhar directed Ganjam SP Harish BC to transfer all staff posted at the PS and Balichai outpost. Harish said sleuths were examining all allegations, including claims that Sahu was detained beyond the legally permissible 24-hour period. "We are verifying the CCTV footage from the police station," he added.

Police said Sahu, who had a disability in one leg caused by childhood polio, worked at a stone quarry and was wanted in connection with an alleged May 20 attack on a police team inspecting an illegal quarry. He was picked up from his home on May 25.

His family alleged he was held illegally for nearly a week and subjected to severe physical abuse. "He was brutally assaulted, hot water was poured on his body and chilli applied on him," alleged Sahu's wife Mamajin.