Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP), Y.B. Khurania, has initiated an investigation by the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) following allegations of custodial torture leading to the death of a 32-year-old physically disabled individual in Ganjam district’s Kabisuryanagar area. The HRPC, a specialized unit of the Odisha State Police, handles inquiries into severe human rights violations, including deaths in police custody.
In response to a preliminary inquiry, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Southern Range, Niti Shekhar, has implemented strict disciplinary measures. These actions include the transfer of IPS officer Nitesh Kumar Mishra, suspension of three Kabisuryanagar police station staff members, and relocation of all personnel from the Kabisuryanagar police station and Balichhai Outpost under its jurisdiction.
The order issued by the IGP (Southern Range) states that IPS ASP Nitesh Kumar Mishra, currently in charge of Kabisuryanagar PS, has been reassigned to the District Police Headquarters in Ganjam pending further investigation. Additionally, Sub-Inspector Sameer Kumar Rout, Assistant Sub-Inspector Baikuntha Jena, and constable Suman Kumar Sahu have been suspended immediately, pending further inquiry. Home Guard Krushna Chandra Pradhan, serving as a driver, has also been relieved of all duties with immediate effect.
Furthermore, the Commandant of Home Guards in Ganjam has been instructed to begin the process of disengaging Krushna Chandra Pradhan from the organization. The Superintendent of Police in Ganjam district has been directed to transfer all personnel stationed at the Kabisuryanagar Police Station and Balichhai Outpost to other police subdivisions to ensure impartiality during the investigation. Any subsequent legal or departmental actions will be based on the findings of the ongoing inquiry.
