Baripada: A sensitive and controversial incident has come to light in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district after a young man was allegedly found dead by suicide outside the Kuliana police station. 

The deceased has been identified as Shivaprasad Barik, a resident of Kamata village under Kuliana police limits.

The family of the deceased has accused police officials, including the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Kuliana police station, of subjecting him to mental harassment and humiliation, which they claim drove him to take the extreme step. 
The allegations have sparked tension in the locality, with family members and residents demanding action against the concerned officer and an examination of CCTV footage from the police station.

According to family members, Shivaprasad had been operating an SUV (Bolero) on lease from a relative. The vehicle was reportedly stolen around one-and-a-half months ago, following which a complaint was lodged at Kuliana police station.

The family alleged that despite repeated appeals, the police failed to make significant progress in tracing the vehicle. They further claimed that whenever Shivaprasad approached the police station seeking updates on the investigation, he was allegedly threatened and warned of being implicated in a false liquor-related case.

Speaking to reporters, Shivaprasad's younger brother, Ripu Barik, alleged that his brother had visited the police station alone on the previous day and was subjected to verbal abuse and mistreatment by police personnel.

Unable to bear the humiliation and alleged mental torture, Shivaprasad allegedly took his own life outside the police station using a gamucha (traditional cotton towel), the family claimed.

"We had gone to seek justice regarding our stolen vehicle, but instead of helping us, the police allegedly misbehaved with my brother. We demand the immediate suspension of the IIC and a thorough examination of the police station's CCTV footage so that our family gets justice," Ripu Barik said.

Responding to the allegations, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Prabhat Kumar Mallik said the complaint submitted by the family has been taken seriously.

"The family has alleged that Shivaprasad Barik died by suicide in front of the police station and that their concerns regarding the vehicle theft case were not adequately addressed. The matter has been brought to the notice of the Superintendent of Police, Mayurbhanj. The inquest has been completed and the post-mortem examination is underway. Further legal action will be taken based on the directions of the SP and the findings of the investigation," the SDPO said.

The incident has triggered concern and anger among local residents, who have joined the family in demanding an impartial, high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death. Calls are also growing for the release and examination of CCTV footage from the police station premises to establish the facts of the case.

Police have initiated the investigation, and authorities are awaiting the post-mortem report and other evidence before determining further action.