Rights body seeks reports on 'custodial' deaths

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sought reports from Cuttack (rural) SP Madhab Chandra Sahoo in connection with two recent custodial deaths in the district. On December 7, 68-year-old Gunanidhi Nayak allegedly died in police custody in Kisan Nagar area, while four days later Akula Senapati (44) died reportedly due to police atrocity in Narasinghpur area.
"The commission has sought inquiry reports from the district SP within four weeks.The commission intervened following a complaint by lawyer and human rights activist Prabir Kumar Das," OHRC said in a press release.
In his complaint Das alleged that Nayak was detained by the police in connection with an alleged sexual harassment case on December 6. "Nayak's family alleged they received a call next day from the police that said he had been hospitalized following illness. When the family members reached the hospital, Nayak was found dead," the release noted. The doctor informed the family members that Gunanidhi was dead when he was brought to the hospital.
In the second incident, Senapati, against whom a woman had lodged an assault complaint, was picked up by police on December 9. Senapati's family alleged the police dragged him and beat him up due to which he sustained injuries on his head and chest, which proved fatal in the end.
The petitioner has alleged that both the incidents occurred due to the high-handedness of the police. Urging OHRC to intervene in the matter, the petitioner has prayed for an independent inquiry into the cases, action against erring officials and compensation for the bereaved families.