Tension prevailed at the Banapur hospital under Balugaon block in Khordha district when a man, who had been detained by forest officials, died while undergoing treatment on Wednesday.
The deceased was identified as Balabhadra Behera of the Bolagaon area in Nayagarh district.According to sources, Behera was detained by Forest Department officials during a patrolling in Tamana forest on suspicion of wood theft.
During detention Behera’s health condition deteriorated and he was rushed to the hospital. However, he died while undergoing treatment, sources added. Meanwhile, family members of the deceased have alleged that Behera was tortured by forestt officials.