OHRC directs HRPC of Police to enquire into custodial death

The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) today asked Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of the state Police and IG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur to enquire into the alleged custodial death of a tribal youth at Ainthapalli Police station.
OHRC's acting chairperson Justice B K Mishra while hearing a petition asked additional DG of HRPC to enquire into the matter and submit report to the commission with two weeks.
In a separate direction to the IG of Police, Northern Range, Sambalpur, the OHRC asked him to conduct enquiry and submit findings report to the Commission on or before March 6, 2018.

The commission issued directions while hearing a petition filed by Human Rights activist Pradipta Nayak who alleged that the police had arrested Abinash Munda, the victim of the custodial death, on February 7 on charge of stealing of some gift items from a marriage pandal in Sambalpur.
Ranjan Kumar Panda, the father of the bride had lodged a complaint of theft.
The petitioner alleged that the deceased died due to physical torture in police custody. The petitioner prayed the OHRC to take stringent action against the erring police officers, who are responsible for such custodial death of the victim.