A 27-year-old man arrested on charges of theft died in police custody in Odisha’s Sambalpur district on Monday, sparking allegations of custodial torture from his family.
According to police reports, Mohammad Kadir Sheikh, a resident of Khistianpada in Hirakud, was taken into custody on Sunday evening following a complaint regarding the theft of a submersible water pump and some wires from a godown. Authorities claim that the stolen items were recovered from him, and a medical examination following his arrest found him to be in good health.
However, on Monday, Kadir reportedly collapsed while being taken to be presented before a magistrate. He was immediately shifted to Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla, where doctors declared him ‘brought dead.’
Family Alleges Torture
Kadir’s family members have accused the police of subjecting him to severe torture while in custody. His sister questioned the circumstances of his death, stating, “Why were we not informed about his detention? How did he suddenly fall ill in court after being declared healthy at the Hirakud Medical? How did he become so unwell in such a short time?”
Local Congress leaders, led by Sambalpur district Congress president Jay Shankar Mishra, have demanded action against those responsible. The delegation also visited Kadir’s family to express solidarity.
Human Rights Violation Allegations
Activist Jayant Kumar Das has sought intervention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that Kadir was held in a location without CCTV surveillance and was denied food and water throughout his detention. He further pointed out that his family was not informed of his arrest, which violates Section 41B of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNS), which mandates police to notify relatives about an individual’s detention.
Police Deny Allegations
Despite the serious accusations, the Sambalpur police have refuted claims of custodial torture. Sambalpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo stated that the preliminary post-mortem report suggested a natural death, with no visible injury marks found on the body.
Sources By Agencies
