Cuttack, Sept 23: A man accused in a vehicle theft case died under suspicious circumstances while in custody at Choudwar Police Station, triggering widespread outrage and leading to the suspension of three police personnel.

The deceased, identified as Rasananda Nayak of Dhenkanal, was picked up by Choudwar police on Saturday. According to his family, Nayak died by suicide following alleged custodial torture. The incident occurred on Monday, and a formal complaint has been lodged by the family accusing the police of foul play.

In response, authorities have suspended ACP Bishwaranjan Sahu, SI Niranjan Gouda, and OFP Constable Kamal Lochan Majhi for their alleged involvement. The post-mortem of the deceased was conducted at SCB Medical College and Hospital, in the presence of a magistrate, senior police officials, and family members. The entire procedure was video recorded as per protocol.

Meanwhile, human rights activist Jayanta Sahu has filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), seeking a thorough investigation by the Crime Branch. The petition also demands Rs50 lakh in compensation for the victim’s family, criminal proceedings against the suspended officers, and mandatory CCTV surveillance in all police stations across the state.

A request has also been made for immediate examination of CCTV footage from Choudwar Police Station to ascertain the sequence of events leading to Nayak’s death.

The case has intensified calls for greater accountability and transparency in custodial procedures in Odisha.