Bhubaneswar, 06 September (H.S.): An undertrial prisoner died at the Paralakhemundi Sub-Jail in Odisha’s Gajapati district after reportedly falling ill on Saturday night. The deceased has been identified as 31-year-old Runa Badaraita, a resident of Jirang.

According to jail authorities, Runa complained of feeling unwell while in custody. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for treatment, where doctors declared him dead.

Runa had been arrested in connection with a POCSO case and was lodged at the Paralakhemundi Sub-Jail as an undertrial prisoner since August 10.

The circumstances surrounding his death have raised concerns among his family members, who have expressed suspicion and sought clarity over what led to his sudden demise.

Runa’s wife, Jayamani Badaraita, said that her husband had appeared to be in good health during their previous visit and that the family had spoken to him over the phone on Saturday evening.

“My husband was okay and talking to us a month ago when we had visited him. We spoke with him last evening as well. I am not sure if anyone killed him, but my husband was doing okay and I do not have anyone else in the family,” she said.

Paralakhemundi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Prashant Bhupati said the police received information from the sub-jail on Sunday morning regarding the prisoner’s death.

“We received the information from Paralakhemundi Sub-Jail on Sunday morning. We also received a report that an undertrial prisoner, who had been lodged there since the 10th of last month in connection with a POCSO case, suddenly passed away last night after falling ill. He was taken to the hospital for treatment but was declared dead upon arrival,” Bhupati said.

He added that police have registered a case and that further procedures would be conducted in accordance with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines.

The exact circumstances leading to Runa’s death are yet to be established. The police investigation and prescribed procedures are expected to shed further light on the matter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda