Jharsuguda: In a shocking incident, a man lost his mental balance and memories after he was allegedly tortured in police custody. Sabita Rohidash, wife of the accused, brought the allegations against Rampur outpost police. The man was identified as Gobardhan Rohidash of Lajakura village under Brajarajnagar police limits in this district.
However, police refuted the allegations claiming that the accused was suffering from epilepsy and injured himself in the jail. Contrary to what police claimed, jail authorities said Gobardhan was injured before he came to jail. Such contradictory statements by the police and the jail authorities created consternation among relatives of Gobardhan who claimed that he lost his memory because of torture by the police.
According to sources, police had arrested Gobardhan on charge of selling country liquor. On learning the matter from her children, Sabita reached the police outpost. However, police misbehaved with her and turned her away.
Later, police tortured him so badly that he forgot his name. Portions of his body were paralysed and his hand was broken. Sabita was shocked to see the condition of Gobardhan the next day.
However, police sent him to jail after producing him in Jharsuguda court. Authorities in the jail provided medicines to Gobardhan. Family members got him out on bail February 2. However, to everyone’s shock, he failed to recognise his family members.
Later, family members admitted him to Jharsuguda district headquarters hospital. Later, she met the district collector and narrated her ordeal. She forwarded a written petition to the SP and demanded a probe into the incident. Later, the district collector gave her Rs 15,000 from the Chief Minister Relief Funds. PNN
