Dabugaon (Nabarangpur): Over a week after the death of an accused in custody at Dabugaon Police Station in Nabarangpur district, Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurania on Saturday placed the station’s Inspector-in-Charge (IIC), Raghunath Majhi, under suspension.

According to the official order, the suspension has been imposed with immediate effect on charges of gross misconduct and dereliction of duty. A departmental disciplinary proceeding has also been initiated against Majhi.

The order stated the action was taken in the interest of public service. During the suspension period, Majhi will remain under the disciplinary control of the DIG of Police, South Western Range, Koraput. He will be entitled to Special Allowance and Dearness Allowance as per Rule 90 of the Odisha Service Code.

The action comes in the wake of a custodial death reported on April 29. The deceased, identified as Purna Kalar, a resident of Anchala village under Medana panchayat, had been arrested in connection with the alleged abduction of a minor girl.

Kalar was found hanging inside the toilet of the police station, reportedly using a piece of cloth tied to a ventilation structure. The incident had raised serious concerns over custodial safety and police conduct.