Youth Dies While in Custody for Bootlegging, Family Alleges Torture

Cuttack: A youth died while in the custody of the Excise department personnel in Choudwar of Odisha’s Cuttack district.

The deceased was identified as Sarat Pradhan, a native of Mahisalanda area in Choudwar.

Pradhan was arrested by the Excise officials in a bootlegging case. Reportedly, after complaining of physical inconvenience, he was rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital where he was declared dead.

However, the family of the deceased has alleged that he was beaten by the excise officials which led to his death.

A case was registered in this connection and a probe was initiated.

More details are awaited.