Man Dies After Being Taken Into Police Custody in Khordha; Family Alleges Custodial Torture

Bhubaneswar: A man from Odisha’s Khordha district died on Monday after being taken into police custody in connection with an alleged coconut theft, prompting allegations of custodial torture by his family. Police, however, have denied the accusations, stating that the man had already been assaulted by villagers before officers intervened.

The deceased, identified as Tofan Nayak of Bhimpur village under Banpur police limits, was reportedly detained on Sunday after local residents accused him of stealing coconuts. His family alleged that he was brutally assaulted inside the police station, leading to severe injuries that ultimately claimed his life.

According to the family, police later informed them that Tofan’s health had deteriorated and asked them to take him for treatment. He was first admitted to the Banpur Community Health Centre and later shifted to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar after his condition worsened. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival. Family members claimed that he had visible injury marks on his body and demanded a high-level investigation along with strict action against those responsible.

Relatives said Tofan earned his livelihood by harvesting coconuts and had gone to a villager’s house on Sunday in search of work. They alleged that the residents mistook him for a thief, tied him up, assaulted him, and subsequently handed him over to the police.

Following his death, tension prevailed outside the hospital as family members and supporters staged a protest, accusing the police of custodial violence. The protesters demanded an impartial inquiry and punishment for both the police personnel and villagers allegedly involved in the assault.

Rejecting the allegations, Khordha Superintendent of Police Parmar Smit Parshottamdas said the police had responded after receiving information that a man was being assaulted by villagers on suspicion of coconut theft. According to the SP, officers rescued Tofan from the mob and brought him to the police station before informing his family.

The SP further stated that the family later took Tofan home after informing police that he was mentally unwell. He added that the following morning, Tofan was taken to Banpur Community Health Centre after he started vomiting. The police also claimed that when doctors asked about his injuries, family members reportedly said he had fallen while under the influence of alcohol.

The senior police officer said CCTV footage and other evidence were available and assured that the allegations would be thoroughly examined. He added that further action would be taken after the post-mortem report is received.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over law and order in Odisha, following recent cases of mob violence, including the alleged lynching of a Government Railway Police constable in Balianta and the assault on two persons, including a young woman, in Rayagada.