Bhubaneswar, June 1:In a swift administrative response to the alleged custodial death of Susanta Sahu at Kabisuryanagar Police Station in Odisha’s Ganjam district, the police department has suspended three personnel and withdrawn an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) from his post pending further investigation.
According to an official order issued by the Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, Berhampur, Niti Shekhar, a preliminary inquiry into the incident has revealed the need for immediate action. Consequently,Nitesh Kumar Mishra, IPS, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Under Training), who was holding an independent charge of Kabisuryanagar Police Station, has been withdrawn and attached to the District Police Headquarters, Ganjam. The Superintendent of Police has been directed to appoint a suitable replacement.
The order also placed Sub-Inspector Sameer Kumar Rout, Assistant Sub-Inspector Baikuntha Jena, and Constable Suman Kumar Sahu under suspension with immediate effect pending completion of the inquiry.
Additionally, Home Guard Krushna Chandra Pradhan, who was serving as a driver, has been barred from performing any official duties. The Commandant of Home Guards, Ganjam, has been instructed to initiate proceedings for his disengagement from the Home Guards organisation.
To ensure a fair and impartial investigation, the Superintendent of Police, Ganjam, has also been directed to transfer all remaining personnel posted at Kabisuryanagar Police Station and Balichai Outpost to other police subdivisions.
The IG’s order stated that further departmental or criminal action, if warranted, will be taken based on the findings of the detailed inquiry currently underway.
The alleged custodial death of Susanta Sahu has sparked concern, prompting the police leadership to take immediate steps to address possible lapses and maintain public confidence in the investigation process.
