Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police have initiated disciplinary action against several personnel, including the transfer of an IPS officer and suspension of three policemen, in connection with the alleged custodial assault and subsequent death of a differently-abled man in Ganjam district. The action comes amid growing public outrage and demands for accountability over the incident, which has reignited concerns about custodial violence in the state.
The disciplinary measures were announced after allegations surfaced that 32-year-old Sushant Sahu, a resident of Subulia village in Ganjam district, was subjected to severe physical assault while in police custody and later succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
IPS Officer Nitesh Mishra Transferred Pending Inquiry
As part of the immediate administrative response, Southern Range Inspector General of Police (IGP) Niti Shekhar ordered the transfer of IPS officer Nitesh Mishra, who had been serving as the officer in charge of Kabisuryanagar Police Station on provisional duty.
Mishra has been shifted to the Ganjam district police headquarters pending further inquiry into the incident.
The transfer is being viewed as a precautionary administrative measure while authorities conduct a detailed investigation into the allegations surrounding the custodial death.
Three Police Personnel Suspended
Odisha Police have also placed three personnel under suspension in connection with the case.
The suspended officers are:
- Sub-Inspector Sameer Kumar Rout
- Assistant Sub-Inspector Baikuntha Jena
- Constable Suman Sahu
All three were posted at the Balichhai Outpost under Kabisuryanagar Police Station.
In addition, police driver Krushna Chandra Pradhan has been relieved from duty.
Entire Police Station and Outpost Staff Transferred
In a broader administrative reshuffle, authorities have transferred all personnel posted at Kabisuryanagar Police Station as well as those serving at the Balichhai Outpost.
The large-scale transfer is being seen as an attempt by the police administration to ensure a fair and impartial inquiry while addressing concerns regarding the functioning of the local police establishment.
Allegations of Custodial Assault
The controversy centres around the death of Sushant Sahu, a 32-year-old differently-abled resident of Subulia village in Ganjam district.
According to family members, Sushant was detained by police on May 25 in connection with an investigation into a stone-blasting case and was taken to Kabisuryanagar Police Station for questioning.
His wife and relatives have alleged that he was brutally assaulted while in police custody.
The family claims that after the alleged assault, Sushant was handed back to them in a critical condition.
Hospitalisation and Death
Following his release from police custody, Sushant’s condition reportedly deteriorated rapidly.
He was initially admitted to a hospital in Aska for treatment. As his health worsened, doctors referred him to a healthcare facility in Berhampur for advanced medical care.
Despite medical intervention, Sushant later succumbed to his injuries.
His family has alleged that the injuries sustained during police custody directly led to his death and has demanded strict legal action against all those responsible.
Public Anger and Demand for Accountability
The incident has triggered widespread concern among local residents, civil society groups and human rights advocates.
Questions are being raised regarding the circumstances under which Sushant was detained, the treatment he allegedly received while in custody, and the accountability mechanisms within the police force.
The case has also intensified the broader debate on custodial violence and the protection of human rights during police investigations.
Several groups have called for an independent and transparent inquiry into the incident.
Inquiry Underway
While disciplinary measures have already been initiated, police authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the findings of any preliminary inquiry.
Officials have also not clarified whether a separate criminal case has been registered against the police personnel accused by the deceased’s family.
The administrative action announced so far is being viewed as an interim step pending the completion of a detailed investigation into the allegations.
Focus on Custodial Violence
The death of Sushant Sahu has once again brought the issue of custodial violence into public focus.
With an IPS officer transferred, three policemen suspended, and an entire police station and outpost staff reshuffled, the Odisha Police have taken significant administrative action in response to the allegations. However, the family’s demand for accountability and calls for criminal proceedings against those allegedly involved are likely to keep the case under close public and legal scrutiny in the coming weeks.
The outcome of the ongoing inquiry will be closely watched as authorities seek to determine the circumstances leading to Sushant Sahu’s death and whether any police personnel bear responsibility for the alleged custodial assault.
