15 year-old tortured in custody, departmental custody ordered

Ranjan Jena of Rajagada village, a Class IX student of a government high school, was summoned to Rajnagar Police Station for allegedly playing on the road with his friends on Monday.

He was allegedly made to do sit-ups and then beaten up in front of his father and other villagers inside the police station by a police officer.

The boy was later hospitalised.

His father Gopinath alleged the boy was beaten black and blue inside the police station. "My son is physically and mentally hurt," he said.

Local police, however, alleged that the boy was a perpetual mischief monger and to discipline him he was asked to do the sit-ups.

Kendrapara superintendent of police Sarthak Sadangi said allegations regarding police excesses were being looked into and disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against the accused official in the event of the inquiry finding him guilty.

Official sources today said State Human Rights Commission has also sought detailed report on the incident following the outrage among the people and demands for punishment of the concerned police officer.