The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed its DG (Investigation) to inquire into the alleged custodial death of a prisoner Laxmidhar Panda at Jharpada jail in September this year.
The Commission while asking the DG (I) to collect all requisite reports within eight weeks has also sought an explanation from authorities concerned as to why an intimation was not sent to it by them.
The directions have come in response to a complaint filed by managing trustee of India Media Centre Akhand alleging that his death was caused by torture.
The petitioner stated that Panda (52) of Biramitrapur in Puri district had died in Jharpada jail on September 25. He had been arrested in an Excise case on September 24 and was forwarded to the jail.
Akhand alleged that on September 25, Panda’s family members were intimated about his death and were called to the Capital Hospital, here.
They had stated that his dead body bore injury marks and pointed towards torture. Panda was allegedly beaten up either by Excise officials or jail staff, he alleged.
As per NHRC guidelines, death in custody should be reported to the NHRC within 24 hours either by the collector or Commissioner of Police.
As this was not done, the Commission has sought an explanation from them, Akhand stated.
He has called for compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the bereaved family.