Jagatsinghpur: A shocking case of alleged custodial torture and murder has surfaced at the ‘Sudhar’ de-addiction centre in Jagatsinghpur town, where an inmate was allegedly beaten mercilessly and administered an injection that reportedly led to his death.

Following a complaint, Jagatsinghpur police registered a murder case and arrested two employees of the centre. The de-addiction facility has been sealed, while CCTV footage from the premises has been seized as part of the investigation. The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the area.

The deceased has been identified as Aniruddha Lenka of Nagpur area under Tirtol Block. According to police sources, he had been admitted to the ‘Sudhar’ de-addiction centre at Kherasha three days ago.

Inmate allegedly tied, beaten and injected before death

Preliminary investigation revealed that Aniruddha allegedly displayed abnormal behaviour on Saturday night, following which staff members reportedly tied him up with ropes and assaulted him brutally in an attempt to control him. During the incident, the staff allegedly contacted a doctor over phone for consultation.

Acting on the doctor’s advice, two employees allegedly sat on the victim and administered an injection to him. Police suspect that the injection, combined with severe physical assault, led to Aniruddha’s death. Injury marks and bruises were reportedly found on various parts of his body.

On Sunday morning around 6 am, staff members brought Aniruddha to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Hospital authorities reportedly noticed multiple injury marks on his body and informed the medical police outpost, which later alerted Jagatsinghpur police.

Police subsequently seized the body and launched an investigation after the deceased’s son, Abinash Lenka, lodged a formal complaint.

During the probe, investigators searched the premises for the injection vial used on the victim. However, police learned that the two accused employees had allegedly disposed of it. Officials said the accused would be taken to the spot to help recover the discarded evidence.

Police have also brought the doctor who allegedly advised administering the injection under the ambit of investigation. An officer said the doctor would be questioned regarding his role in the incident.

Further investigation is underway.