Nabarangpur, April 29: A shocking incident has come to light from Dabugaon police station in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, where an accused in a rape case allegedly died by suicide while in police custody, raising serious questions over custodial security and police functioning.

The deceased has been identified as Purna Kalar, a youth from the Medena Panchayat area, who was arrested by Dabugaon police two days ago in connection with a rape case. His medical examination had been completed on the previous day, and he was scheduled to be produced before a court on Thursday.

However, late on Wednesday night, the accused allegedly hanged himself inside the police lock-up using a bedsheet before he could be taken to court.

Following the incident, tension prevailed in the area as local residents staged a protest, gheraoing the police station and demanding compensation for the family of the deceased.

The incident has triggered widespread concern, with many questioning how such an incident could occur inside a police station despite round-the-clock presence of personnel. Allegations of possible negligence are being raised, though the exact cause behind the custodial death remains unclear.

A detailed and high-level inquiry is likely to ascertain whether it was a case of suicide or if there were lapses on the part of the police.