The district Superintendent of Police has written to the Odisha police Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) to conduct an independent inquiry into the alleged custodial death of a youth, Gobinda Kumbhar, of Tora village in Bargarh district on Saturday.
"Investigation into this unfortunate incident is being carried as per NHRC guidelines. Apart from a judicial Magistrate inquiry, I have requested the HRPC ADG to carry out a separate probe into the case," SP Rahul Jain said
The brother of deceased, Jiten has alleged that his Gobinda was killed due to police excess and demanded stringent punishment for culprits. A joint action forum demanding justice to family of Gobinda following the incident has said that it hopes the independent HRPC and judicial inquiry by a former High Court judge would ascertain exact circumstances under which youth died. As per sources, Gobinda was picked up by police on Friday night in connection with a case filed at Town police station on July 20, 2020. A day after, he was shifted to District Headquarters Hospital after his health condition deteriorated under mysterious circumstances. But doctors declared him dead.The family members of youth alleged that he was tortured in police custody throughout night that led to his death. Following death, fellow villagers held protests and ransacked hospital. High voltage tension prevailed near DHH, as an irate mob kept body on road and held a demonstration. Following which police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse mob.
