BackLAW
23-year-old man found dead in Odisha police custody; suicide suspected, police say
A 23-year-old man arrested in Odisha's Nabarangpur district for alleged abduction of a minor girl was found dead inside the toilet of a police station. Police described the death as a probable suicide and ordered an investigation, while the family alleged custodial violence. The body was sent for postmortem, and concerns were raised about timely notification to the family.
Why It Matters
The case raises questions about custodial deaths and the handling of in-custody deaths, including family notification and transparency of investigations.
Timeline
5 Events
Family alleges custodial death and concealment
April 29, 2026
Family members alleged that the deceased was beaten to death in custody and that the incident was falsely presented as suicide; they accused the police of sending the body for autopsy before informing them.
Postmortem and initial police statements
April 29, 2026
The body was sent to Nabarangpur District Headquarters Hospital for postmortem. Police said prima facie it appears to be a suicide and directed the additional SP to investigate and submit a report within 24 hours, while informing the family before sending the body for postmortem.
Death of detainee in police custody
April 29, 2026
The man was found dead inside the toilet of a police station in Odisha's Nabarangpur district.
Arrest in abduction case
April 28, 2026
The man was arrested on Tuesday in the same case; authorities said he had been detained on Monday and was to be produced in court on Wednesday.
Detention of suspect in minor girl's abduction case
April 27, 2026
The 23-year-old man was detained by police in connection with the alleged abduction of a minor girl.