HRPC to probe Custodial Death in Sambalpur’s Ainthapali

ONI Bureau: The custodial death of a man at Ainthapali police station in Sambalpur district late night, has triggered a massive outrage now. Tension prevailed when a theft accused Abinash Munda from Bhalupali village, was found hanging inside the cell.

The police initially claimed that he committed suicide. But, the locals did not buy their claim and called it a murder followed by torture. Abinash was arrested by the cops yesterday.

While the locals have ransacked the police station and set it afire, HRPC probe has been ordered into the incident. All vehicles in the premises, have been torched by the mob. Fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire.

SDPO Abakash Rout and several cops were injured as the mob resorted to stone pelting used sticks to attack them. Several people were also injured in the scuffle and admitted to hospital. The police had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the rampaging mob. SP and Sub Collector are on the spot. 7 platoons of police force have been deployed to control the situation.

Hundreds of men and women were part of the mob that went on a rampage to vandalise the police station. The IIC, DCO and Sentry have been suspended, pending inquiry.

The IG, Nothern Range has confirmed that Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of the Odisha Police will probe the matter and appropriate action will be taken on the basis of the report. A three-member HRPC team will reach Sambalpur today.