Brajarajnagar: A shocking incident has emerged from Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district of Odisha, where man was allegedly abandoned by Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel after being found in a critical condition. He was found dead today. 

The deceased person has been identified as Harekrushna Bahadur (35), a resident of the Bondamunda area in Rourkela.

According to reports, Harekrushna was returning home from Raipur in Chhattisgarh on Tatanagar - NSC Bose Itwari Express train after work. He had disembarked at Brajarajnagar railway station on April 21 and later got separated from his companion, Anil Mukhi, following an argument.

He was reportedly lying in an intoxicated state near a drain beside Line No. 8 at the Brajarajnagar railway station.

Allegations of inhuman treatment in 44°C heat

According to local sources, RPF personnel rescued Harekrushna around noon on Wednesday but instead of ensuring medical care, allegedly left him on the roadside near Anda Chowk. The area was experiencing extreme heat of around 44°C, raising serious concerns over negligence and lack of humanitarian response.

On Thursday morning, locals spotted his body near the boundary wall of Orient Paper Mill close to Anda Chowk and informed the police. Brajrajnagar police have initiated an investigation into the incident.

Eyewitness raises serious questions

A shop owner in the area claimed that four RPF personnel had brought the man on a stretcher and left him at the spot the on Wednesday. He alleged that the person was still alive at that time but succumbed after being exposed to the scorching heat for hours.

RPF responds to allegations

RPF ASI R. Singh stated that the person was rescued by RPF personnel from near the railway track but claimed they were compelled to leave him nearby due to certain constraints. The explanation, however, has drawn criticism and raised questions about standard operating procedures.