Paralakhemundi, Sept 6: An undertrial prisoner (UTP) died at the Paralakhemundi Sub-Jail in Odisha’s Gajapati district, with his family alleging negligence by the jail authorities.
The deceased has been identified as Runa Bada Rait, a resident of Jirang village, Atila Sahi, under Raigarh police station limits.
According to reports, Raigarh police arrested Runa on August 7 in connection with a POCSO case and produced him before a court. He was subsequently lodged in Paralakhemundi Sub-Jail in judicial custody.
Family members said they visited the jail on September 1 to meet Runa and found his health condition to be normal at the time.
However, police later informed the family that Runa had allegedly died suddenly at around 3 am. The exact cause of death has not yet been ascertained.
The family has alleged that negligence on the part of the jail authorities may have contributed to his death and has sought answers regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, tension has reportedly gripped the area, with villagers refusing to accept the deceased’s body. They have demanded compensation and rehabilitation before taking the body.
The exact cause of death and the circumstances leading to the incident are yet to be established.
