By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:The Khordha Police have stated that, at this stage, the allegation of custodial violence by Banapur Police in the death of Tofan Nayak is not supported by the available evidence. The police are examining the Zimmanama executed by the deceased’s parents, their statement before doctors at CHC Banapur, photographs taken at the time of his release, and CCTV footage from the police station.
According to the preliminary incident report, on June 28 at around 4:43 pm, the ERSS-112 helpline received a call from Seshadev Pradhan, former Sarpanch of Khanata Gram Panchayat, informing that villagers had apprehended a man on suspicion of theft.
The person was identified as 32-year-old Tofan Nayak of Bhimpur village under Banapur police limits. Police said he was found in an intoxicated and disoriented state and was allegedly misbehaving with a local woman.
A PCR team from Banapur Police Station reached the spot and brought him to the police station at around 6:30 pm. The Inspector-in-Charge instructed staff to inform his family members, who arrived at about 8 pm.
Police stated that Tofan’s parents declined to file any complaint against the villagers and informed officers that their son had been mentally disturbed for the last 20 to 25 days. They subsequently executed a Zimmanama, declaring that Tofan was in sound health when he was handed over to their custody, following which they left the police station with him.
On the morning of June 29, family members brought Tofan Nayak to CHC Banapur after he reportedly vomited blood. According to the police report, when doctors asked whether he had been assaulted, his parents stated that nobody had attacked him and suggested that, due to his alcoholism, he might have sustained injuries in a fall.
As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he died during treatment at approximately 10:25 am after being transported in a 108 ambulance.
Khordha SP said that the exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem examination and that further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Preliminary Incident Report
The allegation of custodial violence by Banapur Police is not supported by the available materials at this stage. The Zimmanama executed by the parents, their statement before CHC Banapur doctor, photographs of Tofan with family members at the time of release, and available CCTV footage of the police station are being examined.
1. On 28.06.2026 at about 16:43 hrs, ERSS-112 received a call from Seshadev Pradhan, Ex-Sarpanch of Khanata GP, regarding apprehension of a person by villagers on suspicion of theft.
2. The person was identified as Tofan Nayak (32), S/o Bhikari Nayak, Village Bhimpur (Harijansahi), PS-Banapur.
3. He was found in an inebriated and disordered condition and was allegedly misbehaving with a local woman.
4. On receipt of information, Banapur PS PCR reached the spot and brought Tofan Nayak to the police station at about 18:30 hrs.
5. The IIC, Banapur PS, instructed staff to inform his family members.
6. His parents reached the PS at about 20:00 hrs and were informed about the circumstances. They declined to lodge any complaint against villagers and stated that Tofan had been mentally disturbed for the last 20–25 days.
7. The parents executed a Zimmanama before the IIC, Banapur PS, stating that Tofan Nayak was in sound health condition at the time of handing over custody to them.
8. Thereafter, they left the PS along with him.
On 29.06.2026 morning, the family brought Tofan Nayak to CHC Banapur with complaints of vomiting blood. *On being asked by the doctor regarding any assault, the parents stated that nobody had assaulted him and informed that he was addicted to alcohol and might have sustained injury due to a fall.* Due to his critical condition, he was referred to Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, where he expired during treatment at about 10:25 hrs. He was taken to Bhubaneswar in 108 ambulance.
The exact cause of death will be ascertained after post-mortem examination.
Further action will be taken based on post-mortem findings and investigation.
