Bhubaneswar, April 29: A man arrested in connection with a rape case was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside Dabugaon police station in Nabarangapur district on Wednesday, sparking tension and allegations of custodial misconduct. Police have termed it a suspected case of suicide.

The deceased has been identified as Purna Kalar of Medena panchayat under Dabugaon police limits. He was arrested two days ago in connection with a rape case and had undergone medical examination on Tuesday. He was scheduled to be produced before a court on Wednesday.

According to police, the accused allegedly hanged himself inside the police station using his bedsheet. However, the incident has raised serious concerns, with questions being asked about how such an act could occur despite the presence of personnel in the station.

Soon after the news spread, family members and locals staged a protest outside the police station and blocked the road connecting to Nabarangapur. The family alleged that Purna was assaulted in custody and the incident was later projected as a suicide. They demanded to see the body and raised slogans against the police.

The body has been sent to the District Headquarters Hospital for post-mortem, while an investigation is underway.

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