Bhubaneswar: Mayurbhanj district police on Sunday launched an inquiry into allegations of negligence and harassment against the staff of Kuliana police station, a day after a man allegedly hanged himself outside the station, accusing police of inaction in a vehicle theft case.The deceased was identified as Siba Prasad alias Deepak Barik, a resident of Kamata village. His body was found hanging from a tree opposite the police station on Saturday evening.Police sources said Barik, who was in his 40s, had helped lease a relative’s vehicle to a man. The vehicle was allegedly stolen last month. A case was registered at Kuliana police station on May 6. The vehicle’s owner, who lodged the complaint, had been pressing Barik to ensure the police expedited the probe.Family members alleged that despite repeated appeals, police failed to make progress in tracing the vehicle. They further claimed police threatened Barik to implicate him in a false case whenever he sought updates.BJP MP from Mayurbhanj, Naba Charan Majhi, backed the family’s charges. “A precious life was lost due to negligence by the inspector in-charge. Had the IIC acted swiftly, Barik would have been alive today. Despite multiple visits and requests by Barik, his grievance was ignored,” Majhi told reporters.Mayurbhanj district superintendent of police Varun Guntupalli said the matter is under probe. “Our inquiry is ongoing. Action will be taken if the charges are proved,” he said.
