Sambalpur custodial death: Ainthapali IIC among three cops suspended

Sambalpur: Director General of Police (DGP) Rajendra Prasad Sharma on Friday suspended three police officials and ordered a Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) probe into the custodial death of a tribal in Ainthapali police station of Sambalpur district.

DGP said Ainthapali police station inspector-in-charge (IIC), Diary Charge Officer (DCO), and Sentry, were suspended for their alleged negligence that led to the custodial death of a tribal man on Thursday night.

“Ainthapali police station IIC, DCO and Sentry have been placed under suspension for negligence in duty,” said Sharma.

He said departmental inquiry will also be initiated against them.

He said a three member-team of the Human Rights Protection Cell being its probe into the alleged custodial death from today.

Northern range IG Sushant Nath will conduct an independent inquiry.

Sambalpur SP Sanjeev Arora has been asked to submit a joint report along with the Sambalpur district magistrate on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Sambalpur district administration is planning to impose Section 144 of CrPC in the area to maintain law and order.

A three-member team of the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) of the State police has left for Aninthapali police station to probe the Sambalpur custodial death.

“The three-member team comprising a DIG and two officers have already left for Aninthapali police station to probe the alleged Sambalpur custodial death. Action will soon be taken against anyone found guilty as per law,” said HRPC DG Mahendra Pratap.