Ganjam/Bhubaneswar: Following an alleged custodial death at Kabisuryanagar Police Station in Ganjam district, the Odisha Police has transferred an IPS officer and suspended three personnel.

Ganjam SP Harisha B.C. said IPS officer Nitish Kumar Misra, who was in charge of Kabisuryanagar Police Station, has been transferred to the District Police Headquarters.

Sub-Inspector Samir Rout, Assistant Sub-Inspector Baikunthanath Jena and Home Guard Krushna Chandra Pradhan have been suspended in connection with the incident. All personnel of Kabisuryanagar Police Station have also been transferred.

The SP further stated action will be initiated for the dismissal of Home Guard Krushna Chandra Pradhan.

The deceased, Sushant Sahu (32) of Subulia village, allegedly died after being assaulted in police custody late on Sunday night.

According to family members, Sahu was picked up by police in connection with a dispute linked to his work at a local stone quarry. He was allegedly subjected to severe physical assault while in custody.

As his condition deteriorated, Sahu was first admitted to Aska Hospital and later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where doctors declared him dead.

Medical Officer at Aska Hospital, Dr Bal Gopal Behera, said Sahu was brought in by police around 12:23 a.m. in critical condition, with multiple injury marks on his body, including on his chest. He was referred to MKCG after initial treatment.

The family has accused the police of custodial torture and held them responsible for his death.

Meanwhile, Odisha DGP Y.B. Khurania has ordered a probe by the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) into the alleged custodial death at Kabisuryanagar Police Station, as well as an unnatural death case at Baidyanathpur Police Station in Berhampur.