Probe begins into Saheednagar custodial death case

BHUBANESWAR: Probe into custodial death at the Saheednagar police station started here on Thursday. Whether delay in treatment or due to beating in custody that would also be investigated during the investigation. The Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) is investigating into the incident.

After Kuldeep Mahapatra’s death in police custody who had been arrested for impersonating as a special squad inspector and extorting money at the Saheednagar police station, two Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs) were suspended by Deputy Commissioner of Police Nitinjeet Singh for negligence in duty on Wednesday here.

“Stringent action would be taken against the culprits,” said Commissioner of Police Sunil Ray. Which police officers were present at that time and what was their duty that would be investigated, said the Commissioner adding, action would be taken under the law.

Following the custodial death, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nitinjeet Singh wrote to the Bhubaneswar SDJM Court for a Magistrate-level probe into the case. If the magistrate-level probe starts, some points would be taken into account like at what time the station diary was maintained, at what time FIR was lodged and when Kuldeep was sent to hospital. Even the time of reaching the hospital, which officials and staffs were present over there that would also be investigated, sources said.

The State Human Rights Commission has asked DCP Singh to submit report on the death of Kuldeep with in seven days. If needed the Commission would summon DCP, postmortem doctor, Inspector-In-Charge of the police station and officers, State Human Rights Commission Registrar said.