Rourkela: An undertrial prisoner at the special jail at Bonai in Sundargarh district died on Monday morning of a suspected cardiac arrest while performing routine cleaning duties.
The deceased, identified as Budhu Munda (33), a resident of Kodadihi village under Koida police station limits, was imprisoned since December 5, 2020, on charges of murdering his wife.
According to jail authorities, Munda had a pre-existing heart condition and was receiving treatment at regular intervals at VSS Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla. He was under medication and visited the hospital monthly for check-ups.
The incident took place around 8:15am when Munda, who was cleaning the area outside his ward with other inmates, suddenly fell ill and sat down on a nearby staircase before losing consciousness. The jail’s pharmacist was immediately called for a preliminary examination. “Following the pharmacist’s assessment, we rushed him to the Bonai sub-divisional hospital where he was declared brought dead,” S S Beura, jailor-cum-superintendent of special jail, Bonai, said. “While cardiac arrest is suspected to be the cause of death, the exact reason will be determined after a post-mortem exam,” he added.
Local police have initiated an investigation into the death as per standard protocol for custodial deaths.
Upon receiving information about the death, Munda’s family members, including his son, mother and sister, arrived at the hospital. “The body will be handed over to the family after completing the mandatory inquest and post-mortem procedures,” Beura said.