Bhubaneswar: Allegations of custodial torture have cast a shadow over Odisha's police force after the death of a 32-year-old man from Ganjam district, prompting the state's top cop to order a human rights inquiry.

Odisha DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania on Monday directed the Human Rights Protection Cell (HRPC) to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of Sushant Sahu, a physically challenged daily wage labourer from Subulia village. Sahu died while undergoing treatment at a Berhampur hospital, days after being released from Kabisuryanagar police custody in a critical condition.

Family members allege Sahu was brutally assaulted after being detained on May 25 in connection with a stone blasting case. His wife, Mamajin Pardhan, claimed he was beaten, scalded with hot water, and tortured for nearly a week before being handed back to the family.

The incident has triggered outrage among locals, who are demanding accountability and justice. Taking cognizance, the DGP ordered an impartial probe into Kabisuryanagar PS Case No. 342/2026 and Baidyanathpur PS Unnatural Death Case No. 412/2026, both linked to Sahu's death.