Bhubaneswar, June 2: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the main opposition force in the State, has formed a fact-finding team to visit the family of Susanta Sahu, who reportedly died of custodial torture at Kabisuryanagar police station in Ganjam district and submit a detailed report to party president Naveen Patnaik.
The 12-member committee comprises, Ramesh Chyau Patnaik, Purna Chandra Swain, Bhagwan Gantayat, Bhrugu Baxipatra, Latika Pradhan, Ranjita Sahu, Sanghamitra Dalei, Manjula Swain, Chinmayanand Srirup Deb, Sulakshana Geetanjali Devi, Subash Behera and Subash Moharana.
“The team will visit the victim's family, ascertain the facts surrounding the incident, interact with local residents and other stakeholders, and submit a detailed report to Hon'ble President of Biju Janata Dal, Shri Naveen Patnaik,” said BJD release.
“Biju Janata Dal expresses deep concern over the allegations surrounding the incident and reiterates its commitment to safeguarding human rights, ensuring justice for victims, and upholding the rule of law. The party stands in solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time. The findings and recommendations of the team will be submitted to the Hon'ble President for appropriate consideration and further action,” it stated.
The alleged custodial death occurred at the Kabisuryanagar police station. According to Mamajini Pradhan, the wife of Susanta, her husband was picked up from their house on May 25, 2026, along with another individual, Ishwar Sahu and held in detention till May 31 in connection with a stone blasting case.
The victim, a 32-year-old daily wage labourer, a resident of Subalya village, allegedly died after being released from detention at Kabisuryanagar police station.
Left red-faced, IG (Southern Range) Niti Sekhar ordered withdrew IPS officer (under-training) Nitesh Kumar Mishra, who was holding independent charge of Kabisuryanagar police station, from duty and attached him to the district police headquarters in Ganjam, pending inquiry while three other officials were placed under suspension.
DGP YB Khurania also directed an inquiry by the Human Rights Protection Cell into the incident.
According to victim's wife, Susanta was in good health when the police picked him up last week but was handed back to the family on Sunday evening in a critical condition. His body bore visible injury marks and even hot water was poured on him, family members claimed.
As his health deteriorated, Susanta was first taken to Kabisuryanagar community health centre before being shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where he was declared dead on arrival.
