A daily wage labourer from Odisha’s Ganjam district died after allegedly being tortured in police custody
June 1, 2026: A 32-year-old daily wage labourer, identified as Sushant Sahu, died after allegedly being subjected to custodial torture in Odisha’s Ganjam district. Sahu, a resident of Subalaya village under Kabisuryanagar police station limits, had been taken into custody on May 25. He was later rushed to hospital and was declared dead on arrival at MKCG Medical College Hospital in Berhampur on Sunday night.
Family members have accused the police of physically assaulting Sahu during custody. His wife alleged that he had multiple injury marks on his body and claimed that hot water had been poured on him, causing blisters. Police officials, however, stated that Sahu had been detained in connection with an alleged attack on a police team during a raid at a local stone quarry. Authorities have sent the body for post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Following the incident, Odisha Director General of Police YB Khurania ordered a probe by the Human Rights Protection Cell. Southern Range IG Niti Sekhar said strict action would be taken if any custodial assault is confirmed. The case has also drawn political attention, with the opposition BJD alleging a rise in custodial deaths across the state. This is the third allegation of custodial torture involving Odisha Police reported within the past month.