Bhubaneswar: A deputy SP-rank officer has been appointed to investigate the death of a theft accused while being transported to Vimsar, Burla, on Sunday, police said on Tuesday.
Additional SP Ajay Kumar Mishra said the deceased, Kadir Muhammad Sheikh, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly stealing a pump and wire from a godown under Hirakud police station area. He was apprehended by residents of Jhankar Pada during the theft attempt and was handed over to the police.
Before his court appearance, Sheikh underwent a medical examination at Hirakud community health centre, where he was declared fit. However, he reportedly became unconscious on the court premises, showing symptoms of epilepsy. He was rushed to the district headquarters hospital at Modipada and later transferred to Vimsar, where doctors declared him brought dead. His family members and friends staged a protest outside the Hirakud police station on Monday evening.
The ASP said a case of unnatural death has been registered at Burla police station.