An under-trial prisoner (UTP) and hardcore criminal identified as Papu Baral sustained grievous injuries after reportedly being attacked inside the in Puri district jail on Monday. He was admitted to the surgery ward of the District Headquarters Hospital.
Someone attempted to kill Papu by slitting his throat in the jail. It was yet to be ascertained as to why the prisoner was attacked.
Dhirendranath alias Papu Baral was arrested by the Puri Sea Beach police on August 23 on the charge of demanding ‘dadabati’ (protection money) from shopkeepers and hotel and lodge owners near Swargadwar. He was booked under Sections 341, 294, 386, 387, 506, 34 of IPC and 27 of Arms Act. Since then, he is lodged at the jail.
The 45-year-old accused is also wanted in more than 20 cases lodged at Puri Town and Sea Beach police stations.