Puri, Feb 24: Tension gripped Nimapara Sub-Jail in Puri district after a woman inmate was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside her ward.

The deceased has been identified as Madhusmita Baral.

Sources said, she was found hanging from a ceiling fan inside the women’s ward of the jail. While it is suspected to be a case of suicide, her family has alleged murder.

According to preliminary information, Madhusmita had been lodged in the jail in connection with the alleged murder of her minor daughter and was awaiting further legal proceedings in the case. It is suspected that she used a piece of cloth to hang herself.

Jail officials said Madhusmita was sitting in the ward veranda along with other inmates. A few minutes later, she was found hanging inside the ward. Staff members noticed her in a critical condition during routine checks and immediately intervened. She was brought down, and efforts were made to revive her, but were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death and to clarify whether it was a case of suicide or if any other factors were involved. Further investigation into the matter is underway.