Kabisuryanagar ‘custodial death’: ‘Attempt to influence’ witnesses will be probed, informs Ganjam SP

The probe into the alleged custodial death of a handicapped man following third-degree torture at Kabisuryanagar Police Station gathered momentum on Thursday, with Ganjam SP Harisha B.C announcing a series of measures aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent probe.

Also Read: Ganjam ‘custodial death’: NHRC issues notice to Collector, SP; seeks detailed report

Responding to recent allegations of a police officer attempting to influence witnesses, the SP stated that the matter would be thoroughly investigated. He confirmed that Call Detail Records (CDRs) would be examined if required to verify claims that intimidating calls were made to the family of the deceased.

The controversy emerged after the family of the deceased Sushant Sahu alleged that an official associated with the medical outpost had contacted and threatened his younger brother, Srikant Sahu. The family further claimed that attempts were being made to exert pressure regarding statements related to the case.

Addressing these allegations, the SP acknowledged that there was information suggesting a police officer had made a call to discuss matters related to the case. However, he emphasised that the facts would be verified through proper investigation, including scrutiny of call records if necessary.

In another significant development, the Ganjam SP confirmed that footage from all 20 CCTV cameras installed in and around Kabisuryanagar Police Station would be handed over to the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC), which is conducting the inquiry.

According to officials, all cameras remained functional during the period, and the recordings from May 20 to May 31 have been preserved. The police have assured that the entire CCTV footage will be made available to investigators whenever sought by the HRPC.

To maintain public confidence in the investigation, all police personnel posted at the police station have reportedly been transferred. The district administration has also decided to appoint an officer from outside Ganjam district to take charge of the police station.

“From the 20th May, when our case was registered, upto the 31st, all of our cameras were functioning, and all the footage has been recorded. We will definitely produce the footage whenever the SHRC (State Human Rights Commission) asks for it. We are cooperating 100 percent, and we are not trying to influence anyone,” Ganjam SP said.

“Moreover, they are saying that the SI had called his (Sushant’s) younger brother once, but that was to obtain case-related information because a U/d (unnatural death) case was registered at our outpost. Some address details were needed for that, which is why he had called,” SP Harisha B.C stated.

“Apart from that, we have never called for any other purpose. We have not done anything to exert influence from the police side or to influence the inquiry. This will anyway be revealed in the CDR as to who made the calls and everything. We will definitely inquire into this. I have conducted a preliminary inquiry and asked what happened. He had called just to obtain some information, to get details regarding the U/d case,” the senior official added.

The case has attracted widespread public attention, with demands for accountability and a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the alleged custodial death. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to extending full cooperation to the HRPC and ensuring that the investigation proceeds without any interference.