ORISSA: Fake Encounter; Police: Same Old Story

[Ashok Agrwaal]

TIMESOF INDIA

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-07/bhubaneswar/31033272_1_custodial-death-police-custody-nhrc

NHRC to investigate 'custody death'

TNN Feb 7, 2012, 03.31AM IST

BHUBANESWAR: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked its investigation wing to inquire into the alleged police custodial death of a 50-year-old man in Balasore district last year.

Ajay Kumar Biswal of Bankipada village under Nilagiri Police limit was found dead in a paddy field near his house on November 24, a day after he was picked up by police for interrogation in connection with a petty case. His family members alleged he died in police custody at Iswarpur police outpost and his body was later thrown in the paddy field.

Akhand, a human rights activist from Puri, moved the NHRC on November 30, seeking fair probe, action against the guilty cops and compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the victim's family. "The commission admitted my petition and entrusted its DG (investigation) to inquire into the matter," Akhand told media persons.

Balasore SP Rajesh Kumar denied Biswal was tortured and died in police custody. "Though he was brought to police station for interrogation in a crime, he was not at all tortured. There was no custodial death. He was safely released soon after interrogation the same day," Kumar told TOI, expressing ignorance about the exact cause of Biswal's death.

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